On April 30, 2024, at the University of the Philippines (UP) School of Statistics Auditorium in Diliman, Quezon City, the Philippine Financial Industry Pride (PFIP) presented its 2024 LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report. This event marked a crucial milestone in evaluating the prevailing environment of LGBTQ+ workplaces nationwide, gathering perspectives from numerous companies spanning various sectors and business hubs.
Committed to advancing LGBTQ+ workplace inclusivity, the non-profit organization, comprising LGBTQ+ employee resource group representatives and human resource/diversity professionals from private firms in the Philippines, proactively showcases policy progress and identifies forthcoming challenges. The event drew significant attendance from corporate leaders, HR professionals, LGBTQ+ advocates, and scholars, gathering to deliberate on the findings and exchange ideas aimed at nurturing a more inclusive workplace atmosphere. PFIP’s key findings highlighted tangible advancements in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, fostering lively discussions and presenting successful corporate case studies that underscored the positive influence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) policies on workplace culture.
The 2024 PFIP LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report revealed encouraging trends:
- Currently, 85% of companies have implemented LGBTQ+ inclusion or anti-discrimination policies, with an additional 86% establishing grievance procedures for LGBTQ+ employees. Moreover, 78% extend medical benefits to both married different-sex couples and same-sex domestic partners, while 73% maintain active LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups. Public endorsement of LGBTQ+ inclusion has notably increased, with 79% of companies affirming this commitment, indicating a substantial cultural transition towards acceptance and advocacy. Furthermore, there’s a rising trend in DE&I training, with 80% of companies offering comprehensive programs.
These figures illustrate the efforts of numerous Philippine companies in nurturing safer and more equitable work environments conducive to the success of their employees. The launch event also served as a platform 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 disseminate these best practices across the nation. Collaborations with LGUs, local LGBTQ+ groups, and other allied organizations have played a pivotal role in fostering greater inclusivity.
Looking ahead, PFIP unveiled plans for the July 2024 Pride Summit, anticipated as the largest DE&I conference in the Philippines, aiming to bolster ongoing conversations and spur further LGBTQ+ workplace initiatives. The summit endeavors to inspire corporate decision-makers to persist in advocating for inclusion and diversity.
Reflecting on the event’s impact and future aspirations, PFIP Chairperson Weena Ekid remarked, “To corporate decision-makers: continue to champion inclusion and embrace diversity. Cultivate workplaces where every individual can thrive authentically, irrespective of their identity or whom they love. As you embark on this journey towards a more inclusive future, lead the charge towards a world where everyone is valued and respected. Join us in this transformative endeavor, and together, let’s create a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.”
