Diversity & Inclusion in Turbulent Times
27. June 2025
On May 27, 2024, Swiss LGBTI Label hosted the event “Diversity & Inclusion in Turbulent Times” at Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB), bringing together researchers, business representatives, and inclusion advocates for a rich and timely exchange.
The discussion explored both the progress made in LGBTI+ inclusion in Switzerland and the emerging risks in today’s climate of social tension and political backlash.
Inclusion Works — and Benefits Everyone
Research shared by Dr. Tabea Hässler and Dr. Léïla Eisner from the University of Zurich and the Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel emphasized a clear message: Inclusive workplace environments benefit all employees. When organizations actively value both visible (e.g., age, skin color, disability) and invisible (e.g., sexual orientation, intersex status, personality) dimensions of diversity, it leads to:
- Increased well-being and sense of belonging
- Better health and reduced stress
- Stronger identification with the employer
- Lower turnover intentions
Psychological Safety Is Essential
Even as LGBTI+ inclusion becomes more widely accepted in Swiss workplaces, many still experience increased stress, often triggered by external anti-LGBTI+ narratives or subtle forms of exclusion. This underlines that inclusion alone is not enough — workplaces must also ensure a climate of psychological and social safety.
Creating environments where everyone feels valued, seen, and able to thrive is more than a business case — it is a moral and social responsibility.
Key Contributors
We thank our speakers for their expertise and openness:
- Tabea Hässler & Léïla Eisner, University of Zurich and Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel
- Michela Seggiani, D&I expert, coach, and politician
- Liam Klenk, TGNC Lead, Pride@BCG
Special thanks to Judith Albrecht and Urs Beglinger of ZKB for hosting us, and to Bernd Krajnik for moderating the event with clarity and care.
