Public policy plays a key role in shaping communities around the world. And with rapid shifts and deepening divides in social and political landscapes, there are ripple effects of policy decisions that affect LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. From discrimination protections to healthcare and family benefits access, public policy impacts talent decisions, workplace culture, and business outcomes.
Out & Equal was built to help employers make sense of this moment. We connect the dots between public policy and business strategy, highlighting why inclusive policy matters now more than ever. Through data insights, practical guidance, and Out & Equal’s partner-exclusive offerings, such as The Signal Through the Noise and tailored advisory support, we help companies stay informed, prepared and agile.
What is Public Policy?
Public policy refers to any laws, regulations, actions, and decisions made by governments to address issues and achieve societal goals. It reflects priorities on matters like healthcare, education, the economy, and public safety.
Why Public Policy Matters in the Workplace
Public policy shapes the workplace environment, and for LGBTQ+ and allied employees, it can directly impact safety, inclusion, and opportunity. It matters because:
- Anti-discrimination laws protect against biased actions based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This includes bias in hiring, firing, promotions, responsibilities, scheduling, and benefits, as well as harassment and retaliation.
- Healthcare policy influences access to inclusive benefits like gender-affirming care, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Family recognition affects leave policies, partner benefits, and adoption benefits.
Staying aligned with inclusive policy is essential to supporting LGBTQ+ and allied talent, maintaining compliance, and fostering a respectful workplace culture.
Connecting Public Policy and Business Strategy
The Business Case for Inclusion shows employees thrive when they feel safe, valued, and included at work. However, the changing public policy environment, including executive orders and administrative actions, federal and state legislation, and Supreme Court decisions, has created uncertainty about what lies ahead.
Out & Equal’s Talent on the Move research highlights the link between public policy and recruitment, retention, and mobility.
- Nearly 4 out of 5 survey participants reported that anti-LGBTQ+ laws affect whether they would relocate for a new job or position in a particular state.
- Over 40% do not feel fully comfortable talking to their supervisors about the impact that anti-LGBTQ+ public policy has on their family.
- 45% felt less safe in their states of residence due to the emergence of anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
These findings are a clear call to action for employers as they consider the business case for inclusion. In response to today’s shifting policy landscape, forward-thinking organizations must integrate inclusive workplace policies with a broader business response to legislation, ensuring protection and support for LGBTQ+ employees.
Out & Equal Partner-Exclusive Offerings
Out & Equal offers a suite of resources that engage our Partners in matters related to public policy.
The Signal Through the Noise
In today’s rapidly changing American public policy environment, our Partners need resources to inform and guide their inclusion strategy. The Signal Through the Noise, our monthly Partner-only brief and webinar series, helps Partners sift through the implications of public and corporate policy trends, separating facts from hyperbole and headlines. By identifying opportunities for engagement and comparing what remains steady and what’s evolving, The Signal Through the Noise helps inform our Partners’ public and corporate policy strategy.
Read past issues of The Signal Through the Noise in our Learn & Lead Library.
Strategic Advisory Services
Led by our team of experts, these confidential advisory sessions provide Partners with guidance, community, best practices and analysis of the current public policy environment.
- Private Roundtables: Quarterly roundtables that offer peer-to-peer guidance with senior executives with expertise in diversity, human resources, legal, and government affairs.
- One-on-One Support: Individual sessions tailored to the company’s goals related to public policy and law.
Further Learning and Resources
As critical news breaks, Out & Equal provides key analysis on all facets of public policy and business strategy. From understanding new executive orders to Supreme Court decisions and other pivotal actions, we are committed to creating and updating a suite of resources tailored for the business community.
Explore additional resources:
- Bostock at Five: An accessible analysis of the social, legal, and policy environment surrounding the landmark Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, with a look at open questions, recent administrative responses, and business obligations and opportunities.
- Resilient & Responsive: Five Strategies for Demonstrating ERG Impact
- ERG Best Practices Guide: A tactical framework for building inclusive ERGs that drive structural and cultural change.
- Allyship in Action: How support for everyday allyship improves retention, morale
,and business outcomes. - The Business Case for Inclusion: A data-backed resource that demonstrates how inclusive environments promote innovation, loyalty, profitability
,and employee well-being.
Partner with Out & Equal
For decades, we’ve helped global companies translate inclusive values into real-world business results.
Whether you’re just beginning or aiming to lead the field, our partnership model is built to meet your goals.