LESSONS FROM VIVA ENGAGE’S LGBTQ+ PROGRAM FAILURE – A STORY FROM CAMELLIA

Camellia, an HR officer at a global professional services company, was given the task of using Viva Engage, formerly Yammer, to advance the company’s LGBTQ initiatives. Despite her dedication, the initiative ultimately fell short, leaving valuable lessons to consider.

One of the first challenges she encountered was the absence of a dedicated advocate. Without a visible and passionate leader to drive the conversation, the effort lost momentum and focus.

Communication also proved to be a hurdle. Camellia struggled to clearly define the platform’s purpose and how employees could engage with it meaningfully. This lack of clarity led to confusion and low participation rates.

Another major barrier was fear. Many employees were hesitant to reveal their sexuality, especially in countries where LGBTQ+ rights remain a challenge. Without an environment of trust, the platform could not foster meaningful engagement.

Finally, the company had not implemented mechanisms for self-identification. Without these, LGBTQ+ employees felt unseen and unsupported, making it difficult to tailor resources or measure progress effectively.

Camellia’s experience highlights that inclusion is not just about technology. A platform like Viva Engage can only be as effective as the strategy behind it. Organizational support, strong leadership, and the right channels are essential to advancing true inclusion.

So, how will you drive your LGBTQ+ agenda?