More than 150 companies participate in the 2nd REDI Academy to train in LGTBI inclusion and diversity
Almost 300 people from more than 150 companies different have participated this Thursday in the 2nd edition of the Academy of the Business Network for LGBTI Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) which aims to support and guide companies to advance in terms of inclusion and promotion of diversity LGBTI.
The event took place at Espacio Ventas in Madrid and was aimed at companies that are part of the business ecosystem of REDIThe event included several training workshops and round tables in which companies were offered the tools and resources necessary to comply with the requirements of the new regulations.
In this regard, REDI has highlighted the recent publication of the royal decree that regulates compliance with the law for the real and effective equality of LGBTI people in the workplace.marks a milestone for companies in Spain«This regulation will be applicable to all companies with more than 50 employees from April 2025 and will require them to implement inclusive measures and resources to eliminate discrimination against people LGBTI.
According to a recent study by REDI, BBVA and the UN Global Compact Spain, the majority of Spanish companies are not yet prepared to assume these obligations. Thus, it reveals that 41% of them have an inclusive and natural environment towards LGBTI people, and 38% recognize that non-inclusive language, jokes and derogatory comments are still present in their workplaces.
Furthermore, it shows that even among the big companies in the IBEX 35, only nine listed companies routinely manage LGBTI diversity. This context highlights a lack of structural preparation to meet the requirements of the new legislation and the need for companies to evolve towards genuine LGBTI inclusion.
This study also shows that, in companies that do not explicitly manage LGBTI D&I, many LGBTI people are still not visible in their workplaces for fear of not being accepted, and the percentage of conciliation measures or work benefits they request is much lower.
23 new entities
In order to move forward in this direction, during the 2nd edition of the REDI Academy, success stories in corporate LGBTI diversity management were presented and participating companies were helped to generate a roadmap and review their internal policies to ensure equal treatment and opportunities. The focus was also on staff awareness-raising measures, through the creation of diversity committees, groups of LGBTI employees and allied persons, including the development of inclusive corporate communication.
Following the day of workshops, training, networking and exchange of ideas and good practices, the 'REDI Academy' has continued with the welcome and delivery of certificates to the companies that have joined the REDI ecosystem over the last six months. The new members are large companies such as ACCIONA, AENA, Captrain, Grupo IskayPet, IMAN TEMPORING ETT, ITP Aero, RocaJunyent, Vueling, WESTCON COMSTOR and Wolters Kluwer; medium-sized companies such as Acento Public Affairs, Axazure, Bravent and Eversheds Sutherland; and also small companies such as Alberto Gil, HEST Executive, Paraphernalia or Uadibloc. ONCE is the institution that has joined the ecosystem in this edition of the REDI Academy, which has also added three collaborators: Diversa Balears, EgaleCo Lab and SEIM & CO.
In this regard, the co-director of REDI, Óscar Muñoz, has highlighted the importance of creating work environments where "Every person feels safe and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity«.
«Diversity strengthens organizations, driving creativity and improving the well-being of all people in the workplace. Sexual orientation, expression, sex characteristics or gender identity should never limit someone's professional development; every person deserves equal opportunities to advance in their career. It is the responsibility of companies to ensure inclusive and fair environments. That is why we are proud to see more and more organizations joining our network, showing a real commitment to achieving authentic inclusion and full equality.", has underlined.
