COC & The Workplace

Many people spend much of the week at work. It is therefore important that the workplace is a pleasant and safe environment. Only then can people flourish. This requires inclusive policies and a corporate culture that embraces this. COC, together with employees and employers, is committed to this.

COC members visit a company to talk about inclusivity

Here's how COC is making a difference

Pride networks are being established within more and more companies. These are networks of employees committed to a safe and pleasant working environment for all. COC supports these networks and helps them to be more effective and decisive. As part of a partnership, we are sparring partners for HR, management and employees and give inspiring workshops and presentations. In addition, we take a look at external communication - how lhbti+friendly are campaigns, for example, what are the pitfalls to watch out for, and how do you make social impact as a company? Moreover, we think along with you about how you can prevent pinkwashing as a company. Together we can make the world a better and more inclusive place.

Here's why attention is so important

Lhbti+persons still experience more discrimination in the workplace than non-Lhbti+persons. They regularly experience discrimination in contact with outsiders, such as clients, patients or employers. Compared to 2013, there is even an increase. However, we do see a decrease in experienced discrimination when looking for work. But there is still much to improve.

COC members sit together at a table to discuss opportunities for collaboration on inclusivity
COC members sit together at a table with a company to talk about a collaboration on inclusivity
COC has already accomplished this

COC supports companies and employees in various ways. For example, we sit down with employers and advise on inclusive policies, support Pride networks at companies, and advocate for better laws and regulations for our community. We never do this alone: together with companies, employees, and with partners such as the Transgender Network and the More Than Desired Foundation, we work toward a more inclusive world. We celebrate successes, such as HEMA's establishment of special birth leave in 2020, allowing all employees who welcome a child into the family thanks to, for example, a surrogate mother or adoption, to claim the same amount of leave.

What can I do?

Collaborate

We are happy to support companies as part of a broader partnership, where we are committed to joint social impact. Wondering if COC is the right partner for you? Read more on our partnership page.

Partnerships

Employers & Pride Network

Are you an employee and would like to establish a Pride network in your organization? We would love to engage with you. Please contact us at [email protected]

HR & Inclusive Policy

With a more inclusive policy, you attract better employees, combat absenteeism, and retain talent. We are happy to think along with you. Please contact us at [email protected]

PR, marketing & inclusive campaigns

Make your (Pride) campaigns more inclusive and effective. Want to spar about the right approach? Please contact us at [email protected]

Ally

Allies are crucial to a safe work environment. How are you, as a colleague or employer, a good ally? We'd love to think with you. Please contact us at [email protected]

Donate

Support lhbti+emancipation both nationally and internationally with a donation to COC. Contact us for options, or donate easily through Loongift, Benevity, GlobalGiving, Bright Funds.

Donations can be made here

Frequently Asked Questions

I am afraid that my company does not have everything in place enough before I can sit down with you.

We help you take any first steps toward a more inclusive policy. We are there to clear up the initial uncertainties.

I set up a Pride campaign among colleagues and would like to donate the proceeds to COC

How good that you did and want to donate the proceeds. You can contact us, and we will be happy to help you.

I feel discriminated against at work

That's not the point. Here find more information on what you can do in such a case, or contact us at [email protected] and we will help you further.

I would like to donate to the COC, is that possible?

You can. Our donation page can be found here, or contact us with any questions.

Can you help / look into our HR policies?

Good that you are working on this! We are happy to give advice, please feel free to contact us.

My company operates internationally, is COC still a suitable partner?

Yes! We also work internationally. Please contact us at [email protected] to look at the possibilities.

What are my company's opportunities for collaboration with COC?

There are many different possibilities. Therefore, in our collaborations, we always provide customized solutions. Contact us, and we will look further together.

We donated to COC, can we mention that in our external/internal communications?

Yes you may, but please let us know in advance at [email protected]. That way we can coordinate any communication.

We are mapping how we are doing in terms of inclusion and diversity, can you help us?

How good! Please contact us at [email protected], and we can help you further.

We are looking for a speaker for an event, can you help?

Good that you are paying attention to topics related to the lhbti+ community. Please contact us at [email protected] and we will help you out.

Photo credits © Isabell Janssen