LGBTQIA+ at Thales

At Thales we want our people to feel that they can be their authentic selves at work. Nobody should have to work harder to try and fit a mould. We recognise that being able to express your gender identity and sexual orientation in a way that suits you – not the people around you – is a huge part of that.

We are committed to understanding more about what we can do to create a more inclusive culture, and a more attractive workplace for current and future LGBTQIA+ employees. Through conversations with our LGBT+ Network and LGBTQIA+ employees we have launched our Gender Identity and Transitioning at Work policies as a first step. We have also partnered with Stonewall, an organisation fighting for the freedom, equity and potential of LGBTQ+ people everywhere, to help accelerate our approach.

We encourage all UK employees to use our new email signature template that includes pronouns. Find out more about why pronouns are important.

LGBTQ+ Network at Thales

This employee networking group represents LGBTQ+ employees and allies. We provide an inclusive environment to educate, support, and inform at professional and social events. We are members of PRIDE in Defence, an LGBTQ+ network formed of Engineering and Defence companies to share best practice of supporting LGBTQ+ members of staff in the UK.

LGBTQ+ Network Goals

• Create a support network for our employees.
• Work with Thales in creating and reviewing policies that are inclusive to LGBTQ+ employees.
• Raise awareness and educational pieces on LGBTQ+ for the workplace.
• Host training, Let's Learns, and social events on LGBTQ+ topics.

Transitioning in the Workplace Policy

What impact does it have / how does it help Thales employees: We want to support individuals throughout and after their transition as we strive to create an inclusive workplace. Transitioning is a term used to describe the process and steps a person takes in order to live in the gender they identify as and the process can impact a person’s whole life; our role is to make sure our people feel supported in the workplace. We are committed to maintaining a working environment where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Transitioning for each person is unique and our policy is flexible. It enables an employee and their manager to agree the working arrangements that work best during transition, whilst also offering additional leave for those who are transitioning. This leave can be used when an employee needs time off related to their transition. Our policy also includes supportive behaviours to help colleagues of those transitioning create and maintain an inclusive team environment, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of gender identity or expression.

Who does it help: This policy was intended to be helpful for everyone; whether you’re an employee who is transitioning or whether you’re a colleague of someone who is transitioning.