All over the world, ERGs are transforming the workplace experience for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and Queer+ people. In this article from the 2026 Radius Global ERG Impact Report Jake Laws, Workplace Programmes Manager at Stonewall, shares the charity’s latest insights and underlines the importance of ERGs in building LGBTQ+ belonging.
The LGBTQ+ charity, Stonewall was founded in direct response to Section 28, and the charity’s work has continued since then to campaign, support and advocate for LGBTQ+ equality in the UK and beyond.
Stonewall’s vision is of a world where everyone, everywhere, has equal rights. They are working to make the world a safe and equal place for LGBTQ+ people to live, work and thrive.
In 2025, Stonewall launched their new strategy – ‘In courage and unity, is hope’ – setting out their strategic focus which centres on three primary aims: navigating turbulence, shaping policy and legislation and fostering inclusive places.
Stonewall’s Proud Employers Programme supports the development of safe and inclusive workplaces. Over the past 25 years, Stonewall has supported thousands of workplaces to create inclusive environments where everyone can succeed throughout their careers.
The Proud Employers programme supports businesses to advance their own LGBTQ+ inclusion strategies. Working with Stonewall supports their work to create a positive, open and inclusive society which benefits employees in the workplace and the wider community. Civil society and business have worked tirelessly together to create legislative and cultural change for LGBTQ+ people.
Jake is clear that ERGs are important business partners for everyone involved in people, culture, talent and performance. The Stonewall workplace team see countless examples of ERGs both supporting business units and taking the lead on allyship training programmes, developing e-learning modules, hosting visibility events throughout the year and identifying the need for and commenting on policies which improve inclusion.
“Employee resource groups (ERGs) play such an important role in business success and can transform the experiences of LGBTQ+ people at work”, explains Jake. “By being active partners with their workplace people and inclusion teams, ERGs support their organisations to make improvements to policies and provide insights on external engagements and service delivery. Day-to-day, they also provide space for LGBTQ+ employees to support each other and be around people who understand their lived experiences which can positively transform the culture of an organisation. By raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, ERGs promote a better understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion, empowering all employees to step up as allies and improve the workplace experience for everyone.”
Stonewall’s Research
Research by Stonewall in 2025 showed that two in five (39 per cent) of LGBTQ+ employees still feel the need to hide the fact they are LGBTQ+ at work, with nearly a third (31 per cent) of LGBTQ+ employees saying they could not be themselves at work. “This is a stark reminder how much work there is to do to ensure everybody belongs and feels like they belong. When people trust they are valued and feel they belong, they perform well. Employee resource groups play a crucial role in creating a culture of belonging” Jake says.
“Globally, we are in a time of turbulence for LGBTQ+ communities. Those businesses who want to succeed are making it clear they understand the importance of belonging and making that explicit at every stage of the employee life cycle, especially during recruitment. Research shows that a third of LGBTQ+ employees are seeking more inclusive workplaces and nearly 40% of job seekers are avoiding non-inclusive companies altogether. Despite the pressure to roll back commitments to DEI, the research shows that inclusion must remain at the heart of talent strategies”, Jake says.
“Whilst this period of turbulence may feel particularly intense, times have always been
turbulent for the LGBTQ+ community. Diversity and inclusion, specifically LGBTQ+ inclusion, has only really been understood as a business imperative over the last two decades. During that time, ERGs have always played a powerful role in organisations, with Pride ERGs often being one of the most active ERGs within workplaces.”
“As the commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion became more widespread, Pride ERGs were often pushing at an open door. They had enormous impact both inside organisations through shaping inclusive policy and processes and helping workplaces connect to and show solidarity with the community, such as through attending Pride Events and supporting LGBTQ+ charities.”
Whilst the politicisation of LGBTQ+ people’s lives continues in the UK and globally, Stonewall is proud to continue working with hundreds of employers across the UK and globally who are committed to creating inclusive workplaces where all employees are treated equally.
“We have witnessed countless examples of ERGs evolving the way they work to support LGBTQ+ inclusion during times of turbulence – whilst staying true to their missions and values”, adds Jake. “This has included a bigger focus on mental health and wellbeing, creating new spaces for colleagues to learn about the current issues effecting LGBTQ+ people, and engaging with senior leaders to keep inclusion at the heart of workplaces”.
ERGs Igniting Change
Although ERGs have been affected by the shifting landscape inside and outside organisations, Stonewall remains optimistic about their potential to ignite change.
“Whilst we are no doubt in the midst of a cultural backlash and moral panic, the work to advance inclusion in our workplaces continues with many ERGs finding creative, low-cost ways to continue supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues.”
Jake Laws – Stonewall
Jake is emphatic about the power and importance of ERGs, “The average adult spends one-third of their life at work. It is a place to contribute, meet peers, grow and learn. Everyone should feel safe, supported and comfortable at work, but this is still not the reality for every single person from the LGBTQ+ community or other marginalised groups. That is why LGBTQ+ employee resource groups are so important. Representation matters: ERGs help people know their business values them, create spaces for support, allyship and community and a place to demonstrate it is VERY possible to be successful at work if you are from the LGBTQ+ community.
Stonewall’s Proud Employers Programme
The Proud Employers Programme is Stonewall’s workplace inclusion programme.
Stonewall has over three decades of experience advocating for inclusion and over twenty years’ experience supporting workplace inclusion. Proud Employers has supported thousands of employers around the globe for over two decades to create more inclusive workplaces.
Find out more about becoming a member of the Proud Employers Programme on Stonewall’s website.
At Radius, we’re proud to work with the world’s most inclusive employers – organisations that put people first and are committed to building workspaces where everyone belongs.
Our 2026 Radius Global ERG Impact Report offers strong evidence that ERGs are continuing to deliver impact at scale – driving change, strengthening inclusion and belonging developing talent and skills and supporting workplace resilience and wellbeing.
Download the full report HERE.
