Building inclusive workplaces, together

G.E.O. Foundation works to strengthen the position of LGBTQ+ people in their work environment in the Netherlands, through networking, mentoring, research and dialogue with employers.

companies we work with

G.E.O. Foundation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to LGBTQ+ people in their work environment.

We promote emancipation, equal treatment and representation of LGBTQ+ people in the Netherlands, and work to reduce their vulnerability in the workplace.

What we do

Our bold 2030 commitment

One of our concrete ambitions for 2030 is to reach 10% LGBTQ+ representation in senior leadership positions across the Netherlands. We see this as one of the outcomes of broader change in the workplace, alongside safer cultures, stronger networks and visible role models for the wider LGBTQ+ community.

Networking and dialogue with employers

We organise networking events for LGBTQ+ employees and allies, and engage in dialogue with employers about inclusive work environments.

Mentorship programme

We connect experienced LGBTQ+ employees with emerging talent in an annual mentorship programme. Mentors share experience, support career development, and strengthen progression.

Supporting LGBTQ+ employee networks (ERGs) and national research

We support internal LGBTQ+ employee networks at partner organisations and publish an annual national benchmark study on the position of LGBTQ+ employees in the Netherlands. We share insights through media and a public knowledge base.

What we do

Why diversity matters

Diverse leadership teams deliver 35% better financial returns and make more innovative decisions 87% of the time. When LGBTQ+ leaders have a seat at the table, organizations don’t just meet diversity metrics—they outperform their competition.

Ready to lead the change? Whether you’re an LGBTQ+ executive seeking board positions or an organization committed to inclusive leadership, let’s connect.

How we work

In the press

“At the top levels, representation of LGBTQ+ individuals drops to below 1%. G.E.O. Foundation aims to change that — their goal: by 2030, 10% of senior leadership roles in corporate Netherlands and government should be held by LGBTQ+ people.”

MT/Sprout

"Despite increasing visibility at junior and middle management levels, queer representation almost vanishes in the top ranks: just around 1% of executives in Dutch companies are openly queer.”

De Nieuws BV / NPO Radio 1

"Headhunter Melchior de Ridder reveals that LGBTQ+ representation in Dutch C-suites sits below 1%. Through GEO Foundation's executive dinners and corporate advocacy, he's working to make that 10% by 2030 because visibility at the top changes everything."

Het Financieele Dagblad

One of our biggest opportunities lies in diversity & inclusion

Lack of LGBTQ representation

Attention for LGBTQ+ has not yet led to meaningful representation of this group at the top of business. LGBTQ+ represent ~11% of society and yet 0.1%< of senior leadership roles are covered by LGBTQ+ professionals. Without diversity in executive roles, organisations fail to reap the benefits of Diversity and Inclusion.

Diversity benefits all

Just a critical mass of 20% diversity (i.e. gender, ethnic and LGBTQ+ diversity) in management teams has the power to increase innovation and improve financial performance.

Getting implementation right

Lack of implementation of policies, LGBTQ+ employees don’t feel the policies are effective. Policies should not just be written but implemented.

Inclusive work environment

Representation at the top starts at the bottom. Work environments should be created such that LGBTQ+ employees feel included, can therefore thrive, and feel confident to take the right steps and make it to the top.

Boost attractiveness of your company

When your company expresses support for LGBTQ+ people this can boost the attractiveness of your company. Showing support will signal to potential hires that your company is an inclusive place and thus the right talent can be attracted.