A recent survey of workplace inclusion found found LGBTIQ+ understanding was not as visible outside metropolitan areas, Pride in Diversity associate director Mark Latchford said.

"Some examples of inappropriate language and harassment are probably higher in the bush," he said.

"So we started this program to take the conversation to regional cities. The aim is to reach out to any organisation that could benefit from being 'enabled', if you like, to talk about the issues and perhaps the business case for inclusion."

Overall, instances of inappropriate language, bullying and harassment are dropping in regional areas, according to the annually released Australian Workplace Equality Index.

"It's not gone completely and there is still a significant proportion of employees who are not yet comfortable being out at work," Mr Latchford said.

"It has got better."

Finding ways to be more inclusive should be a top priority for companies because it helps them attract talented workers, increase productivity and help teams work closely together.

While bosses might understand that value, it can be tricky to make sure discussions are not just happening at head office and that middle management is included, Mr Latchford said.

"To really make workplaces open and welcoming for all employees those conversations need to happen beyond head office," he said.

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The workshop was held at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank's Bath Lane offices and attracted people from multiple businesses.

"The bank is a really good example of a company trying to take that conversation down to middle management," Mr Latchford said.

Bendigo Bank state manager Justine Minne said those discussions are very important to the organisation, as are ideas to promote inclusion in the wider community, including sponsoring the upcoming Bendigo PRIDE Festival.

"It's been a continuous process and we really want to drive that inclusive and pride component to help our staff," she said.

Mr Latchford said it was not just sectors like banking and government where the push for inclusion was gathering pace.

"The mining and resources industry has done a really good job around the country, as well construction," he said.

"So I'm very optimistic. I think the conversation's come a long way over a short period of time."