AFFILIATED PROJECTS\ EQUAL OFFICE
EQUAL
OFFICE
The cost of discrimination
In the United States alone, it is a loss of $64 billion annually because of 2 million workers who leave their jobs due to discrimination, according to the Center for American Progress. This reality seriously threatens the profitability and financial health of businesses large and small. Issues include, but not limited to, missing out talented labour in the recruitment process, turnover-related costs, increasing absenteeism, lowering productivity. Besides, discrimination can be costly in terms of consumer demand. LGBT consumers and those who support human rights support businesses that promote workplace equality. The boycott against Barilla in 2013 is a vocal example. On the other side, brands such as Dell, IBM, Starbucks, GAP, IKEA have been pioneers in LGBT-inclusive CSR. A number of reports and phone apps have been made to track businesses’ support (or lack thereof) for LGBT equality to inform consumers.
Why join Equal Office campaign?
In Vietnam, Equal Office is the first of its kind that tries to engage corporations to become drivers for change. Such change would not only benefit the internal environment of the corporation but also make a great representation with Vietnamese consumers, especially young people who strongly support LGBT. Besides, this is not a stand-alone campaign but a parallel project with the annual LGBT Pride where good practices are honoured and shared with the public and media.
Implementation ideas
You can participate in the Equal Office campaign by signing up for one (or some, or all) of the following actions:
Understanding Diversity posters. The poster provides basic explanation of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, sex, and diversity. It also addresses the common derogatory terms that people sometimes unintentionally use when addressing LGBT, as well as the appropriate terms to use. Viet Pride provides posters and installation service.
LGBT brownbag film screenings. LGBT foreign and local films are available to screen at lunch time for employees. Viet Pride provides film materials, an introduction and a short education clip preceding the film (e.g. UN’s ‘The Riddle’, OHCHR’s ‘What is Human Rights?’, Google’s ‘Year in Search 2014’, ‘The Story of Human Rights’), and a representative to organise the session as well as answering questions. Lunch for employees will be provided by the company, optional.
Pride-at-work Day. One weekday in the week preceding the Pride celebration, employees wear the Viet Pride t-shirt at work. Viet Pride provides shirts, $4/shirt.
LGBT visibility. Magnetic pins and badges with message of LGBT equality convenient to pin in office pantries, office doors, or individual cubicles. Viet Pride provides, $1/item.
Understanding Diversity poster
viet pride t-shirt (round neck or v-neck, unisex)
Contact
0917-538-391