Overview

IBM was one of the first companies in the world to implement a self-ID program for LGBT+ employees, starting in 2006. Self-ID allows employees to voluntarily report their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in HR systems, enabling greater visibility and inclusion. By 2020, this program had been implemented in 40 countries, covering 87% of IBM’s global workforce.

The report highlights how self-ID enables IBM to connect LGBT+ employees to professional development opportunities, create leadership pipelines, and ensure representation at events. It also explores IBM’s confidentiality measures to protect employee privacy, efforts to expand inclusive policies globally, and the introduction of pronoun declarations in 2019 to further normalize gender inclusivity.