Until that happens, however, obtaining a written commitment from an employer that it will not engage in these unfair practices is an important first step. With low unemployment, skilled workers, in particular, can be selective about where they work. Employers that offer the best benefits packages increase their chances of attracting the best workers. And as we continue in this new century, business leaders know the competition for talent will get even more intense. As a growing number of employers address sexual orientation in their policies and programs, it is increasingly easy for lesbian and gay workers to select more inclusive employers.
Turnover is bad for business.
Training new workers to replace the old ones is costly, particularly if workers are leaving or being fired for reasons having nothing to do with job performance. Gay Americans are consumers, too. So the impact of fairness, and conversely unfairness, can be seen most starkly at the bottom line. It's the right thing to do. In the same way that we agree women and ethnic minorities should be protected from unfair treatment because of who they are, gay and lesbian workers should not have to worry that they could lose their jobs because of a supervisor's prejudice.