Investigating the Developer eXperience of LGBTQIAPN+ People in Agile Teams

TL;DR

The paper investigates the developer experience of LGBTQIAPN+ professionals within Agile teams through an interpretive survey of 40 participants. It identifies psychological safety, inclusive policies, and tailored Agile practices as key drivers of equitable contribution, with remote work offering productivity and well-being benefits alongside isolation challenges. By analyzing growth opportunities, engagement, and the influence of Agile practices and work models, the study highlights the essential role of inclusive culture and leadership in enabling diverse teams. The findings provide actionable guidance for integrating inclusivity into Agile methodologies and organizational practices, with implications for improving team satisfaction and performance in software engineering.

Abstract

Diversity in software teams drives innovation and enhances performance, but it also introduces challenges that require intentional management. LGBTQIAPN+ professionals in the software industry face unique barriers, including discrimination, low visibility, and harassment, which can diminish satisfaction, productivity, and retention. This study investigates the Developer Experience (DX) of LGBTQIAPN+ individuals in Agile software development teams through a survey of 40 participants. Findings highlight that psychological safety and inclusive policies are critical for fostering equitable contributions and team cohesion. Agile practices, such as retrospectives, pair programming, and daily meetings, enhance collaboration and reduce biases when tailored to the needs of underrepresented groups, creating an environment of mutual respect and openness. Additionally, remote work offers significant benefits for LGBTQIAPN+ professionals, including improved psychological comfort, productivity, and work-life balance. However, challenges like isolation and insufficient virtual team interactions remain and must be addressed. This research underscores the importance of integrating inclusivity into Agile methodologies and organizational practices to support the unique needs of diverse professionals. By fostering an environment that values diversity, organizations can enable more effective and satisfied teams, ultimately driving higher-quality outcomes and improved organizational performance. This study provides actionable insights for creating more inclusive and supportive Agile work environments.