People in Ireland have been “dropped” from jobs during the onboarding process for being LGBT, according to one activist.  

A new survey by recruitment agency Hays has found 45% of people feel their chances of career progression have been limited because of their background or another identifying factor.

This includes 51% of people worried age will affect their job prospects, 28% for ethnicity, 21% for gender or gender identity and 20% for socio-economic background. 

Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie spoke to Hays Managing Director Maureen Lynch, who said the research shows diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) leads to better business. 

“The research is very clear when it comes to bringing your true self to work is that organisations that facilitate that type of work environment are much more successful as a result,” she told Newstalk Breakfast.

“Because the more authentic we can be to ourselves, the more comfortable we are, the freer we are to come up with ideas and share without judgement – that can be really valuable to a company.” 

45% of people believe that their employer is proactively taking action to increase recruitment of “under-represented talent” and 90% saying these efforts feel “authentic”. 

'It's human nature'

Still, many people think it’s normal to try on “different hats” at work. 

“It's just human nature,” one man told Josh. “We are who we are at work, and we are who we are when we’re at home. 

Another person agreed you “never know anyone’s true colours”, while one man said it’s important to present yourself in a different way. 

“You got to show yourself in the best way you can,” he said. “Show the polished side and forget about the other side.” 

'Fear for LGBT people'

While some think changing yourself at work is natural, some people feel like their identities are stifled – partiularly those in LGBT community. 

ShoutOut Executive Director Ruadhán Ó Críodáin told Josh his group focuses on making spaces more inclusive for LGBT people. 

“It's really about trying to remove that fear for LGBT people as they enter the workplace, especially those new to the workplace or their careers,” he said. 

Young office workers meeting in a boardroom. Image: Ammentorp Photography / Alamy Stock Photo

He said young people are often comfortable sharing their sexual identity in college and school – until they enter the workforce. 

“They go back into the closet because they don’t know how their manager is going to take it or how their colleagues are going to take it,” he said. 

“There's been cases in Ireland where people have been dropped in the onboarding process for being LGBT. 

“It’s a huge fear for a lot of people.”