Madrid, 14 November 2024 - Nearly 300 people from more than 150 different companies participated today in the 2nd edition of the REDI Academy, the innovative and pioneering training day organised by the Business Network for LGBTI Diversity and Inclusion (REDI), which has become the most important event in Spain on LGBTI inclusion and diversity. An action designed to support and guide companies to move forward in terms of inclusion and promotion of LGBTI diversity and thus help them to comply with the new Law 4/2023 for the real and effective equality of LGBTI people in the workplace.

The event, which took place at Espacio Ventas in Madrid, was aimed at companies that are part of the REDI business ecosystem, the largest network of companies committed to LGBTI inclusion and diversity in Spain. The event included multiple training workshops and round tables in which companies were offered the necessary tools and resources to comply with the requirements of the new regulations.

The recent publication of Royal Decree 1026/2024, which regulates compliance with the aforementioned Law 4/2023, marks a milestone for companies in Spain. This regulation will be enforceable for all companies with more than 50 employees as of April 2025 and will oblige them to implement inclusive measures and resources to eliminate discrimination towards LGBTI people, with a special focus on establishing a harassment-free work environment, ensuring equal opportunities in recruitment and career advancement, providing training for all staff on LGBTI rights and non-discrimination, and ensuring equitable corporate benefits for LGBTI people, including special leave and support for transgender people.

According to a recent study by REDI, BBVA and UN Global Compact Spain*, most Spanish companies are not yet ready to assume these obligations. Despite advances in gender equality, only 41% of them have an inclusive and natural environment towards LGBTI people, and a worrying 38% of them
acknowledge that non-inclusive language, jokes and derogatory comments are still present in their workplaces. Even among large IBEX 35 companies, only nine listed companies routinely manage LGBTI diversity. This context shows a structural lack of preparedness to comply with the requirements of the new legislation and the need for companies to evolve towards genuine LGBTI inclusion.

This study also shows that, in companies that do not explicitly manage LGBTI D&I, many LGBTI people are still not visible in their jobs for fear of not being accepted, and the percentage of work-life balance measures or benefits they request is much lower.

With the aim of making progress in this regard, during the 2nd edition of the REDI Academy, success stories in corporate LGBTI diversity management were presented and the participating companies were helped to generate a roadmap and review their internal policies to ensure equal treatment and opportunities. The focus was also on staff awareness-raising measures, through the creation of diversity committees, LGBTI employee groups and allies, including the development of inclusive corporate communication.

Experts from partner companies such as BBVA, BMS, Cepsa-Moeve, Inditex, Nestlé, SAP and WPP shared their experience and best practices in this field with the aim of inspiring other organisations to create more inclusive work environments.

More than 20 organisations join REDI in the last half of the year
After the day of workshops, training, networking and exchange of ideas and best practices, the ‘REDI Academy’ continued with the welcoming and presentation of diplomas to the companies that have joined the REDI ecosystem over the last six months. The new members are large companies such as ACCIONA, AENA, Captrain, Grupo IskayPet, IMAN TEMPORING ETT, ITP Aero, RocaJunyent, Vueling, WESTCON COMSTOR and Wolters Kluwer; medium-sized companies such as Acento Public Affairs, Axazure, Bravent and Eversheds Sutherland; and also small companies such as Alberto Gil, HEST Executive, Paraphernalia and Uadibloc. ONCE is the institution that in this edition of the REDI Academy has joined the ecosystem, which has also added three collaborators: Diversa Balears, EgaleCo Lab and SEIM & CO.’

Óscar Muñoz, co-director of REDI, stresses the importance of creating work environments where everyone feels safe and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. ‘Diversity strengthens organisations, boosting creativity and improving the well-being of all people in the workplace. Sexual orientation, expression, sexual characteristics or gender identity should never limit someone's professional development; everyone deserves equal opportunities to advance in their career. It is the responsibility of business to ensure inclusive and fair environments. That's why we are proud to see more and more organisations joining
more and more organisations are joining our network, showing a real commitment to achieving genuine inclusion and full equality.’