Written by Angela Hughey, Co-Founder & President, ONE Community & ONE Community Foundation
When it comes to attracting and retaining top talent, businesses need all of the available tools in the toolbox. In Arizona, we’re fortunate to have a lot of those tools: a great business environment, affordability, beautiful climate, and more. However, the crucial missing piece is equal treatment for all residents.
Arizona’s current non-discrimination law protects individuals based on race, age, gender, religion, national origin and disability, but that protection does not extend to sexual orientation or gender identity. We all know that in today’s competitive work environment, finding, attracting, and retaining talent is one of our greatest challenges. That’s why by denying legal protection to those in the LGBTQ+ community, Arizona companies risk losing talent to nearby states – Nevada, California, Colorado, and New Mexico – that offer the guarantee of equal protection under the law. Our lack of equal treatment for all people is not only wrong, it is bad for economic sustainability and growth. Arizona can no longer afford to have unnecessary barriers in place that put us at a distinct disadvantage.
The good news is a 2022 survey by the US Chamber of Commerce shows that small business owners broadly support businesses taking actions to ensure LGBTQ+ Inclusion. In fact, it showed more than eight in 10 small business owners – or 86% – say that it is important to provide an inclusive culture for customers and guests. Two in three – or 67% – say it is important to make a public statement in support of equality and fairness for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
That’s why ONE Community, a coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals who are moving diversity, inclusion, equity and equality forward for all Arizonans,
started the UNITY Pledge to show support for equal treatment policies. The UNITY Pledge is a concerted effort by businesses and individuals to advance workplace equality and equal treatment in housing and public accommodations. To date, it is the largest equality pledge in the nation with over 3,500 businesses and 20,000 individuals representing large Fortune 500 companies to small mom and pop businesses. It takes less than one minute to sign and is a great way for a business or individual to be actionable in demonstrating their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Sign today at www.UNITYPledge.com to show that your organization is truly welcoming and open for business for everyone!
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