Skip to main content
Article
Creating a Trans-inclusive Workplace
Harvard Business Review
  • Christian Thoroughgood, Villanova University
  • Katina Sawyer, George Washington University
  • Jennica R. Webster, Marquette University
Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
3-1-2020
Publisher
Harvard Business Publishing
Disciplines
Abstract

Trans people often experience stigma and discrimination, hostility from others, and pressure to “manage” their identities in social settings, including the workplace. These experiences can set in motion a host of psychological responses that have devastating consequences for trans individuals’ job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and emotional well-being. Despite growing public awareness of the struggles that trans individuals often face, many employers remain ill-equipped to create policies and workplace cultures that support their trans employees. Fortunately, a growing body of research suggests how they can more effectively attract, retain, and promote the health and success of these workers. Interviews with and surveys of more than 1,000 trans people over the past six years reveal four key areas of intervention that can cultivate a more trans-inclusive workplace: (1) basic signs of trans inclusivity involving bathroom use, dress codes, and pronouns; (2) effective support for gender transitions; (3) trans-specific diversity trainings; and (4) interventions to build resiliency.

Comments

Harvard Business Review, Vol. 98, No. 2 (March/April 2020): 114-123, DOI.

Citation Information
Christian Thoroughgood, Katina Sawyer and Jennica R. Webster. "Creating a Trans-inclusive Workplace" Harvard Business Review (2020) ISSN: 0017-8012
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jennica-webster/16/