Latest data from employee engagement and happiness specialist WorkL has revealed a concerning decline in workplace happiness for LGBTQ+ employees in the US, with happiness scores dropping from 74% in 2024 to 66% in 2025 – 9% points below the global employee happiness score of 74%. This marks a stark contrast to heterosexual employees, whose happiness levels saw a slight increase from 76% to 77% over the same period.
The growing disparity suggests that shifts in workplace policies under President Trump, particularly those related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), are contributing to the negative trend.
In 2024, the ‘happiness gap’ between heterosexual and LGBTQ+ employees was just two percentage points. By 2025, this gap had widened significantly to 11 percentage points, indicating that LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately affected by workplace policy changes.
WorkL’s research also reveals a growing ‘Flight Risk’ among LGBTQ+ employees, with 36% considering leaving their jobs in 2025, up from 21% in 2024 – the global average is in the low 20’s. In contrast, heterosexual employees saw a decrease in Flight Risk from 21% to 19%, suggesting a greater sense of stability within this group.
Lord Mark Price, Founder of WorkL, said: “The data presents a troubling picture for LGBTQ+ employees in the US, who are experiencing a decline in happiness and workplace wellbeing at a time when their heterosexual colleagues are seeing improvements. Inclusive and supportive workplaces are essential for creating productivity and innovation, and this growing inequality should serve as a wake-up call for businesses to strengthen their DEI commitments, not reverse them. We must ensure that all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued and supported in their roles.”
Other key findings for LGBTQ+ employees include:
- Empowerment fell from 77% in 2024 to 71% in 2025.
- Job satisfaction plummeted from 75% to 64%.
- Pride in their work dropped from 74% to 63%.
- Wellbeing scores declined sharply from 73% to 63%.
- Information Sharing decreased from 76% to 67%.
Heterosexual employees experienced slight increases in all these areas, reinforcing the idea that workplace conditions and policies may be affecting LGBTQ+ individuals differently. The political climate under the Trump administration, alongside potential reductions in workplace DEI initiatives, is creating a less supportive environment for LGBTQ+ employees.
Empower-Up has a wealth of articles and resources for studios on supporting their LGBTQ+ employees. You can find them here.
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Photo by Luke Michael on Unsplash
