Inclusive is better. The effect of LGBT+ supportive psychological climate on heterosexual employees

Objective: The aim of the present study is to assess the effect of supportive psychological LGBT+ climate on burnout in a sample of heterosexual employees. According to the Person-Environment Fit Theory, person–organization fit (i.e., fit between individual and organizational values) plays a pivotal role in influencing employees’ well-being. Thus, our main objective is to assess the role of LBGT+ supportive climate and personal beliefs about LGBT+ community in influencing heterosexual employees’ well-being, through a mediated mediation model, with a longitudinal study. Method: Through an online-based survey we reached a sample of 234 heterosexual, cisgender, Italian workers (41.9% females). Moreover, an inclusion criterion was to have at least one LGBT+ coworker. Participants fulfilled a questionnaire about their perception of supportive psychological LGBT+ climate in their organizations, their beliefs about LGBT+ community, negative affectivity, peer support, workload and burnout. We performed a mediation analysis, assessing the effect of LGBT+ supportive climate on burnout through negative affectivity. Workload and peer support were modeled as covariates. Results: Preliminary cross-sectional results supported our hypotheses. LGBT+ supportive psychological climate did not directly influenced burnout, while the mediation effect was significant. Specifically, psychological climate reduced burnout through the reduction of negative affectivity. Conclusions: The perception of an LGBT+ supportive climate can be a protective factor for the psychosocial health of heterosexual employees, too. These findings bring important insights for companies about the importance of fostering an inclusive climate. Creating an inclusive climate aimed at mutual respect within which all people can feel free to experience themselves can be important not only for employees directly affected by such policies.