New research has found that LGBTIQ+ people continue to face disproportionately high levels of exclusion in the workplace.
Data from Diversity Council Australia’s (DCA) 2025–2026 Inclusion@Work Index shows that 46% of LGBTIQ+ people experienced discrimination and/or harassment in the past year.
This compares with just 26% of non-LGBTIQ+ people, meaning LGBTIQ+ workers were 1.5 times more likely to experience these behaviours.
According to the DCA, this indicates discrimination has increased since the previous Index was released in 2024, when 39% of workers reported experiencing this type of behaviour.
“As organisations celebrate LGBTIQ+ communities, this data highlights that workplaces cannot be complacent,” said Catherine Hunter, CEO of Diversity Council Australia.
“Our findings point to a persistent challenge within Australian workplaces. Organisations need practical, evidence-based approaches that address the systemic issues contributing to LGBTIQ+ exclusion.”
Beyond harassment, 39% of LGBTIQ+ workers reported being excluded from social gatherings, compared with 29% of non-LGBTIQ+ workers.
Almost half (49%) said people made incorrect assumptions about their abilities based on their identity, compared with 33% of non-LGBTIQ+ workers.
Meanwhile, 41% reported being ignored, compared with 30% of non-LGBTIQ+ workers.
“Workplaces that invest in inclusive cultures, visible and supportive leadership, and clear policies are better positioned to reduce discrimination and create environments where all employees feel safe and respected,” Hunter said.
The Index findings are based on a nationally representative sample of 3,000 workers across Australia.
The survey has been running since 2017, with the latest report marking its fifth edition.
In 2017–18, 31% of LGBTIQ+ workers experienced harassment and/or discrimination, rising to 44% in 2019–20.
Hunter said the research consistently showed that inclusion matters and that exclusion has real-world impacts on the workforce.
“Everyday exclusion matters. It undermines wellbeing, drives people out of organisations, and weakens team performance — all of which can negatively impact productivity,” she said.
The full 2025–2026 Inclusion@Work Index will be released on February 26.
