How to tell if a company is LGBTQ+ friendly during a job search, according to an expert
LGBTQ+ rights have been significantly limited this year, from the Don't Say Gay law taking effect in Florida, to the almost 240 other anti-LGBTQ bills filed in 2022 so far. As a result, it's important for LGBTQ+ professionals to have safe, inclusive work environments now more than ever.

According to Drew McCaskill, a career expert at LinkedIn, this kind of legislation has already had severe, negative effects on LGBTQ+ professionals.

"According to our data, more than 53% of LGBTQ+ workers hide their identity in the workplace, often citing a fear of discrimination and a persistent feeling of being unwelcome," McCaskill tells CNBC Make It. "This identity struggle has detrimental impacts on their health, happiness and productivity, in addition to businesses' talent retention and leadership development. These feelings have only been exacerbated with anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, legislation and violence at an all-time high."

LinkedIn's "State of the LGBTQ+ Professional at Work'' report found that anti-LGBTQ legislation has impacted the mental health of 50% of LGBTQ+ professionals. And despite the 35% of LGBTQ+ professionals that look to their companies for mental health resources, 33% feel like their companies haven't made them feel supported or heard.

According to McCaskill, LGBTQ+ professionals may be able to avoid unsupportive workplaces by researching and networking during the job search, keeping these four things in mind.