Findings from the latest Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Employee Survey make one thing clear: while progress has been made, LGBTQIA+ employees still face significant challenges in Australian workplaces.

Every year on May 17, the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT) reminds us of the importance of fostering safe, inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ individuals. As we approach May 17 and IDAHOBIT in 2025, these AWEI Employee Survey findings make it clear how far we still have to go – but that every workplace can make a difference. 

Key Findings from the 2024 AWEI Employee Survey

The 2024 AWEI survey, which collected insights from over 42,000 employees across 169 organisations, highlights both progress and setbacks in workplace inclusion efforts. Here’s what the data tells us:

Declining Visibility

LGBTQIA+ employees are less likely to be ‘out’ at work in 2025 than they were in 2022. The number of people openly identifying as LGBTQIA+ in the workplace has decreased by 12.9% over four years, reflecting growing concerns about safety and acceptance.

Mental Health Disparities 

LGBTQIA+ employees are 10.6% less likely to feel they can be themselves at work, 9.8% less likely to feel a sense of belonging, and 9.0% less likely to feel mentally well compared to non-LGBTQIA+ colleagues.

Bullying and Harassment Remain a Concern

While awareness of reporting channels has increased, 13.6% of respondents have witnessed workplace incivility targeting LGBTQIA+ employees, and reports of more serious bullying have risen by 5.3% since last year.

Support for Inclusion is Slipping

Personal support for LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion has dropped to 82.7% in 2024, down from 86.7% in 2022. 

Alarmingly, the percentage of employees identifying as active allies has fallen, while those stating they are “not an ally” has increased by 60.6% over the past three years.

The Role of Age in Inclusion Attitudes

The survey noted an increase in older respondents, who generally report lower support for LGBTQIA+ inclusion. This demographic shift may be contributing to declining workplace inclusion scores overall.

What These Findings Mean for Australian Workplaces

These results underscore an urgent need for workplaces to recommit to LGBTQIA+ inclusion. A safe and supportive workplace is not just a moral imperative—it is essential for employee well-being, productivity, and retention. A lack of inclusion impacts mental health, career progression, and workplace engagement for LGBTQIA+ employees, particularly those who are not out or feel unsafe being themselves at work.

How Workplaces Can Take Action

With IDAHOBIT 2025 approaching, here are some concrete steps businesses and organisations can take to foster meaningful inclusion:

1. Make Allyship Visible – Encourage employees to wear pride pins, update their email signatures with pronouns, and attend LGBTQIA+ inclusion events.
2. Offer Training & Education – Provide LGBTQIA+ inclusion training and workshops, to provide the tools to be an active ally in the workplace 
3. Support LGBTQIA+ Networks – Create and promote employee resource groups for LGBTQIA+ staff and allies, as well as working with queer led organisations.
4. Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Days of Significance – Recognising events like IDAHOBIT fosters awareness and a sense of belonging.
5. Assess & Improve Culture – Participate in AWEI or other benchmarking programs to measure and improve LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion over time.

Why IDAHOBIT 2025 Matters More Than Ever

The rise in discrimination, lower rates of employees feeling safe to be out at work, and increasing workplace harassment highlight why The International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination remains crucial in 2025. 

It’s a day to stand against discrimination, celebrate progress, and renew our commitment to ensuring all LGBTQIA+ employees feel safe, valued, and included—every single day of the year.

As we mark IDAHOBIT 2025, let’s move beyond rainbow-washing and ensure that inclusion is embedded into the very fabric of Australian workplaces. 

Real change happens when we take action – not just on May 17, but all year round.

Get Involved in IDAHOBIT 2025 – download your free toolkit to get started 

How to Go Rainbow at Work