Over the past decade, diversity and inclusion (D&I) in business has emerged as one of the leading global trends as the research shows that having a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace is not only good for society but also good for business. Businesses that employ people with different backgrounds and experiences, including LGBTQI people, persons with disabilities, and people from ethnic groups, are proven to gain a comparative edge over their competitors by attracting talent, being more innovative, and building their reputation among a growing base of ethical consumers and suppliers. 

Studies show that diverse businesses are 70 per cent more likely to capture new markets and receive 2.3 times more cash than those that do not actively recruit people from under-represented groups. In 2020, 91 per cent of the 500 most profitable corporations worldwide included sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination policies, 68 per cent made a public commitment to the LGBTQI community, while 62 per cent provided transgender-inclusive health coverage, and 53 per cent extended benefits for same-sex partners.

D&I in business has also become an emerging trend in Lao PDR, with many Lao businesses taking small but important steps to show their support for the local LGBTQI community. This trend has become even more popular around Pride Month, which is celebrated globally in June every year to raise awareness of the rights of LGBTQI people.

Lao Airlines was one of the first movers in showing their commitment to being an LGBTQI ally, celebrating Pride Month with their rainbow-clad logo in both 2021 and 2022, and expressing support for the LGBTQI staff working for the airline. “We have a very accepting and fun environment in the office. With a young team, the company is open and inclusive of everyone, and people are more confident in being themselves. We felt comfortable speaking with our management to show our support for LGBTQI people during Pride Month, and they agreed to take action. We have received a lot of good feedback from Lao people on social media, thanking Lao Airlines for the commitment and support” shared Mr. Pele Sivongthong, Marketing Team Member, and Ms. Dalavady Phothisane, Marketing Manager, Lao Airlines.

In practice, D&I is a year-round investment that goes beyond just Pride Month to really reap the rewards. Businesses that embrace D&I often experience the benefits in staff productivity, innovation, and opening up new markets, in particular among millennials and Gen Z consumers who care more about the values of the businesses they buy from. 

Foodpanda has also been looking for the ‘Lao way’ of creating a diverse, inclusive, and happy workplace where LGBTQI employees feel safe to be themselves. “For Foodpanda, the main goal is to ensure everyone is happy and feels free to be themselves” explained Ms. Somseun Sokxay, Head of People, Foodpanda. She added that “the commitment to diversity starts from the very top of the company, led by our Managing Director. We are first looking inside our own business by encouraging our staff to use inclusive language in their daily communications around the office, instead of imposing heavy rules on how to behave. This way we have noticed a growing curiosity in our staff to learn more about D&I, not because we tell them it is important.”