MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine Financial Industry Pride (PFIP) unveiled its 2024 LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report on April 30 at the University of the Philippines (UP) School of Statistics Auditorium in Diliman, Quezon City.
The event marked a significant step in assessing the current landscape of LGBTQ+ workplaces across the Philippines, drawing insights from hundreds of companies in various sectors and business hubs.
Driven by its commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ workplace inclusivity, the non-profit organization, consisting of LGBTQ+ employee resource group representatives and human resource/diversity professionals from private firms in the Philippines, takes proactive steps to showcase policy progress and identify challenges ahead.
The event was well-attended by corporate leaders, HR professionals, LGBTQ+ advocates, and scholars, converging to discuss the findings and exchange ideas for fostering a more inclusive workplace environment. PFIP’s key findings showcased concrete progress in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, vibrant discussions, and successful corporate examples that underscored the positive impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) policies on workplace culture.
The 2024 PFIP LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report revealed encouraging trends:
85% of companies now have LGBTQ+ inclusion or anti-discrimination policies in place, while 86% have established grievance procedures for LGBTQ+ employees. Furthermore, 78% offer medical benefits to both married different-sex couples and same-sex domestic partners, and 73% have active LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups. Public support for LGBTQ+ inclusion has grown, with 79% of companies expressing this commitment, reflecting a significant cultural shift towards acceptance and advocacy. DE&I training is also on the rise, with 80% of companies providing comprehensive programs.
These statistics show that many Philippine companies are fostering safer and more equitable work environments conducive to employees’ success. The launch event also provided an opportunity to review PFIP’s broader initiatives, such as the “PFIP Playbook: For LGBT+ Inclusive Workplaces in the Philippines,” and the nationwide caravan conducted in 2023 to promote these best practices across the country. The emphasis on partnerships with LGUs, local LGBTQ+ groups, and other allied organizations has proven instrumental in fostering greater inclusivity.
Looking ahead, PFIP announced plans for the July 2024 Pride Summit, the largest DE&I conference in the Philippines, which is expected to amplify the conversation further and drive additional LGBTQ+ workplace initiatives. The summit encourages corporate decision-makers to continue advocating for inclusion and diversity.
PFIP Chairperson Weena Ekid, said, “To corporate decision-makers, continue to champion for inclusion and embrace diversity. Build a workplace where every individual can thrive authentically, regardless of who they are or who they love. As they embark on this journey towards a more inclusive future, they are urged to lead the charge towards a world where everyone is valued and respected. Join in this transformative endeavor, and together, create a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.”
