Mckinsey recently researched, and they discovered that half the transgender employees in the United States said their number one issue was “𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆” and not feeling comfortable at work.
Additionally, they felt far less supported than cisgender employees, they find it more challenging to understand workplace culture and benefits, and they feel less supported by their managers.
Organizations’ diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts tend to overlook the transgender experience, focusing only on sexual orientation and neglecting to include gender identity and expression.
The following are among the many steps that employers of all sizes can take to expand their efforts and create an inclusive environment for transgender employees:
* Establish a common vocabulary in the workplace. Organizations can provide their employee’s glossaries and hold sessions to help educate and inform conversations.
* Be intentional in recruiting. Sponsor seminars and participate in recruiting events and job fairs while talking openly about the workplace experience for transgender employees.
* Offer trans-affirming benefits. Human resources teams can show up as allies by ensuring company benefits for employees are both trans-friendly and trans-specific.
* Offer trans-inclusive programs and policies. Include voices of trans people in diversity and cultural competency training, and avoid gender-specific language in company policies.
* Promote an inclusive culture. Offer employees the option to use their preferred name, include nonbinary gender identities in forms, encourage employees to provide pronouns, and celebrate transgender pride.
Many seemingly small steps, added together, can have a significant impact on an organization’s commitment to transgender inclusion. Creating a safe work environment should provide security to all.
