Straight Talk About Gays in the Workplace: Creating an Inclusive, Productive Environment for Everyone in Your Organization [Hardcover]

Liz Winfeld (Author), Susan Spielman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2, 1995

This volume brings the issue of gays in the workplace out of the closet. Its premise is that gays (both gay men and lesbians) are an integral part of the diverse workforce, and that companies must include them specifically in their diversity plans, education programmes and non-discrimination practices. The book also: supplies hard evidence that taking a progressive stance has a positive impact on corporate profitability, productivity and even public opinion; replaces myths with facts about gays and workplace issues; shows how to create a harassment-free, inclusive workplace that respects the rights, and answers the concerns of all employees; reduces conflict and fear (for both gays and straights); shows how to develop an AIDS/HIV educational programme that can save lives; presents personal stories of gays and their experience in the workplace; and explains domestic partner benefits - why they are so important to gays, how to include them in benefits programmes and what they will cost, how to overcome objections, and tax issues.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

How do American companies develop diversity in programs in their workplaces today that successfully integrate gays and lesbians into the corporate fabric of inclusivity? This question is the first premise for both these books. Bob Powers and Alan Ellis, long-time diversity trainers, look at specific individuals?gay/lesbian/bisexual/heterosexual?who have come to terms with sexual orientation workplace issues themselves and influenced others in a positive way. In six chapters the authors build on these personal accounts to explore how managers can implement diversity programs and make them work. A highlight of the book is a listing of "101 ways to make your workplace more inclusive." An excellent resource listing concludes the work. Winfield and Spielman, who are founders and principals of Common Ground, a consulting firm that specializes in workplace education about sexual orientation, offer a far more ambitious book. While they also incorporate personal stories to make points, they succeed in creating a far more comprehensive manual on how to achieve true diversity for sexual minorities. In addition to describing successful corporate diversity programs (notably Lotus and AT&T), they go on to cover discussions of what "domestic partnership benefits" are and how they can be realistically achieved in work settings. Both works are recommended to general readers.?Richard Drezen, "Washington Post" News Research Ctr., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

There are so many books about lesbians and gays in the workplace that it has become difficult to distinguish between them. This latest offering is notable because it comes from AMACOM, a division of the American Management Association not necessarily known for trendy or cutting-edge titles. Winfeld and Spielman founded and head Common Ground, a consulting firm that provides workplace training on the topic of sexual orientation. They argue that gays must be included in corporate diversity programs and that doing so is both good in general and good for business. They provide information on the cost of domestic partner benefits, implementing AIDS and HIV educational and prevention programs, and combating harassment. They offer moving, real-life examples that show the ugly effects of homophobia and help undo misconceptions. Various sample policies and a brief bibliography are included. David Rouse

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM (November 2, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814403050
• ISBN-13: 978-0814403051
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,725,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A valuable resource for gay employees and their bosses., May 30, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Straight Talk About Gays in the Workplace: Creating an Inclusive, Productive Environment for Everyone in Your Organization (Hardcover)

Research shows that organizations committed to a diverse workforce experience better customer satisfaction, profitability and competitiveness. This book describes strategies for creating a productive, creative, inclusive organization (like those described in "The 100 Best Places for Gay Men and Lesbians"). It focuses on four areas: non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation; domestic partnership benefits; employee education about sexual orientation, and AIDS education. The authors point out that while employers can't control employee beliefs about gays and lesbians, they can control employee workplace behavior toward gay and lesbian coworkers. A important resource for managers, and for gay men and lesbians who want to nudge their employers in the right direction