Job Attribute Preferences of Sexual Minority People: The Role of Past Discrimination and Safe Havens

Abstract

Building on research on discrimination, occupational segregation, and labor market inequalities that are rooted in sexual orientation, this study examines how previous negative experiences of discrimination and positive experiences of “safe havens”—workplaces that protect employees from discrimination—are associated with job attribute preferences of sexual minority people. Based on data from a German online convenience sample (N = 1197 sexual minority respondents), this study focuses on five job attribute preferences: high income, good promotion prospects, opportunities for further training, interesting work, and LGB-friendly work climate. The results suggest the high importance of an LGB-friendly work climate for sexual minority people. Furthermore, the results show that discriminatory experiences are positively associated with the importance of an LGB-friendly work climate for sexual minority people in an early career stage. However, safe havens are positively associated with the importance of an LGB-friendly work climate for sexual minority people. Finally, results suggest little evidence for an association between discrimination, safe havens, and general job attribute preferences. Differences between career stages highlight the importance of this variable in further research on the career trajectories of sexual minority people.