Gender transition, especially in the workplace, is never easy. Unless properly planned, it can be a complicated, nerve-wracking, and confusing process. However, transitioning is a liberating experience. For trans individuals, this is a chance to fully express their authentic selves and be accepted by peers for who they are.

Organizations should support employees who express the desire to transition. Making the workplace a safe place for them to come out communicates how valuable they are as a team member. It also demonstrates the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Despite their best interests, we know that some organizations are at a loss to properly manage gender transitioning in the workplace. In this article, we provide practical tips that go beyond a simple diversity and inclusion statement. It’s not enough that we tell trans employees that they are accepted; our policies and actions should demonstrate acceptance as well.

Managing Gender Transition in the Workplace

1. Develop a transition plan together with the transitioning employee.

Gender transitioning involves a lot of decisions and steps that will fundamentally change a person and how other people interact with them. When one decides to fully embrace the traits of the gender they identify with, it usually involves changing their names, pronouns, registered sex, dress styles, and other gender expression characteristics. These can seem like a lot of changes not just for the trans employee but also for the people who frequently interact with them.

Every transition is different, and a good transition plan involves consulting the trans employee. It is up to them to determine what information can be shared and with whom. A good practice, especially at the beginning of the transition, is to share information only on a “need-to-know” basis. This helps protect the employee’s privacy and prevent preempting their transition.

It is also important to establish a clear timeframe for the transition. Identify key moments such as when peers will be informed, name/pronoun changes, access to gender-appropriate facilities, and personal leave time. Employers should provide the employee time off from work, so they can attend medical and legal appointments and other requirements related to the transition process.

2. Create a core team who will support the employee’s gender transition.

During the transition, a core team consisting of managers and peers must be formed to support the trans employee. Again, the employee must be consulted on who will be included in this group.

If the trans employee experiences discrimination at any point, they must know they have a safe space for discussing the issue. Having a trusted circle helps ease the strain and alleviate the stress that transitioning in the workplace creates. Someone from management must be part of this group because they reinforce the leadership’s support for gender transitions.

The group should also help answer questions about the employee’s transition. It’s normal for other staff members to start wondering why someone is suddenly wearing a different uniform or going to a different toilet. The support group can answer these questions with a reaffirmation of the employee’s valuable contributions and the company’s core principles.

Company leaders must stress policies on zero-tolerance for bullying and discrimination during this process. It must be clear that the workplace is an inclusive place that offers equal opportunities.

3. Prepare the facilities and documentation the trans employee will need in advance.

The use of the toilet is one of the most pressing issues for transgenders. The 2015 US Transgender Survey revealed that 59% avoided public bathrooms for fear of confrontations and 31% avoided eating or drinking to reduce trips to the restroom. During transitioning, transgenders who decide to undergo medical treatments experience body changes similar to puberty. Depriving them of the right to an accessible bathroom is inhumane.

The ideal solution is to adopt a mix of gender-neutral, female, and male toilets and make them accessible to everyone. Let the employees choose the toilets they want. Don’t simply designate another bathroom, like the disabled toilets, as gender-neutral.

Also, don’t mandate trans employees to use a specific toilet, even if it’s a unisex one, because it can make matters worse. In everything, always consult transitioning employees about their preferences. This also goes towards the use of other gender-related facilities like locker rooms.

Gender transition requires the change of personal identification documents such as company ID, email signature, staff photo, employee badge, and others. It’s better if these changes are made before the employee’s official transition date to avoid confusion.

Hold a staff briefing to inform everyone about these changes. These can also be the venue for asking questions. The transitioning employee should have the freedom to attend or not and must be the one to decide if the briefing will be conducted by email, face-to-face meeting, or in small group settings.

4. Conduct training to prepare colleagues and help them develop empathy.

Sometimes, well-meaning individuals want to ensure a smooth transition for their colleagues but are unaware of how to do so. Others may not understand what’s happening, and their ignorance may cause harm.

Workplace training aims to broaden perspectives and prepare colleagues for what will happen. It’s best to conduct these prior to the official transition to help the entire team build empathy for what their peer will go through. These sessions should also be safe places where they can ask questions.

Training shouldn’t be limited to only when a gender transition will happen. Continuing education on gender issues and inclusive practices must be a regular company practice. Make resources on diversity and inclusion readily available for anyone who wishes to learn more. Conduct refresher courses for new staff and those who wish to be updated with the latest trends.

Companies can always tap professionals trained in DEI practices to conduct this training for them. DEI professionals can also help organizations manage the daunting tasks involved in gender transition by providing consultations, resources, referrals, and other related services. When tapping external support, always make sure that the transitioning employee feels comfortable doing it.

5. Offer continuing and regular support.

Gender transition is not a one-time event. It’s a process that doesn’t end with the employee changing names and uniforms. Medical treatments and surgeries take years to complete, and even without it, the adjustment phase alone takes time.

It’s important to make your employee feel safe and supported even after the official transition announcement is over. Provide regular check-ins to know how they’re doing and offer continued access to professional support that they can talk to any time. Reinforce your company’s zero-tolerance for discrimination and bullying and make sure any perpetrators are dealt with. Implement inclusive policies and programs such as LGBTQ ally networks, and inclusivity training.

Conclusion

Managing gender transition in the workplace is not an easy task. However, we shouldn’t leave a trans employees to manage transitioning on their own. It takes the entire workplace to create a smooth process that makes the individual feel safe, valued and loved.

We hope the tips above help you implement a successful transition. Always remember that transitions are unique and consultation with the trans employee is important. If you need help with inclusivity training, gender transition checklists, coaching, and DEI consultations, you can always reach out to us. We’d be happy to help.

Psychological safety in the workplace is the belief that you can share your ideas and opinions at work without fear of being ridiculed, reprimanded, or discriminated against. It includes the confidence to fail and make mistakes without suffering dire consequences.

Psychological safety fosters innovation, teamwork, and employee work satisfaction. It encourages authenticity in the work environment, which is the key to becoming a truly inclusive and diversified organization. A 2-year Google Study found that psychological safety was the number one component present in high-performing teams.

But if a psychologically safe workplace creates positive effects, why do most organizations struggle with it?

Minority groups like the LGBTQ community and people of color often report that they have to conceal their true selves or conform to the expectations of the workplace. In a survey conducted by the Boston Consulting Group, 75% of LGBTQ employees experienced at least one negative interaction at work related to their LGBTQ identity. Meanwhile, research conducted by Headstart found that 66% of Black American job seekers are frequently discriminated against when seeking new roles.

Despite society’s call for increased inclusivity in the workplace, these figures indicate that psychological safety in the workplace is still a big concern, especially for minority groups.

9 Steps for Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace

Psychological safety is easy to create. You just need patience and conviction as you begin to roll out programs and policies geared towards it. Remember that it takes time for new habits and work cultures to form.

1. Make psychological safety an explicit work priority

As a company leader, you need to start talking about psychological safety. It should be discussed in executive meetings and strategic planning sessions. Everyone in the company must understand its importance and implications. They must see how it connects to company goals, such as workplace innovation, higher revenues, and thriving company culture.

You must also model the behaviors you want to see. Psychological safety is all about showing your employees that you understand them and give their inputs importance. Make sure they know that the company is open to honest feedback.

2. Increase self-awareness in the workplace

Everyone has their own biases. By admitting this and uncovering those biases, we increase our self-awareness, which leads to improved relationships with the people around us. Uncovering these biases is important for those in management, including those assigned to recruitment. When biases are addressed, a more inclusive workplace is created.

3. Allow everyone to speak up

Show genuine interest in what others have to say. Honor candor and honesty. Be open-minded in accepting the opinions and ideas of others. Always be truly engaged and avoid faking enthusiasm.

Displaying these behaviors will create an atmosphere where employees can feel safe to voice out their thoughts. Leaders should set the example by always showing compassion and empathy. This will pave the way for other team members to follow suit.

4. Be an ally and champion your team

There will always be discrimination—it may not be blatant, but it exists even in small forms. Members of the LGBTQ group experience discrimination more than others. It’s amplified for LGBTQ who are of color.

They may feel safe at work but experience discrimination from customers and clients. BCG found out that 54% of employees who are out at work choose to be closeted around clients. This indicates that inclusivity hasn’t spread outside the workplace.

As their team leader, you should be their champion. Business owners must decide if they’re willing to commit to a path of real inclusivity while risking losing some clients.

5. Establish norms for failure

Employees must be given the freedom to take reasonable risks and make mistakes. Failure encourages learning which gives rise to innovation. When employees make mistakes, avoid playing the blame game. Instead, take time to talk to them and ensure they learn the right lessons.

Encourage sharing these lessons, not to blame the person, but to show others how failure can turn out for good. When employees know that it’s alright to fail, they will be willing to tackle challenges and seek creative means to surpass them.

Mistakes should not always spur dire consequences. There’s nothing that stifles innovation more than a culture where employees are afraid to take risks for fear of punishment.

6. Accept new and wild ideas

Let employees know what kind of ideas are acceptable. Are you willing to accept out-of-the-box ideas that are highly creative but are not well-formulated? Or would you only welcome ideas that have been thoroughly researched? When employees know what kind of ideas are expected from them, they’d feel empowered to pitch in.

Include employees in the decision-making process and show them how important decisions are made. It may be scary to be vulnerable, but a psychologically safe workplace is built on mutual trust and vulnerability.

7. Embrace productive conflict

Conflicts are normal. Opinions will always differ and people will rally strongly behind their beliefs. Resolve these conflicts peacefully and democratically. Involve employees in conflict resolution and establish expectations for how these conflicts are to be handled.

If there is any negativity, nip it in the bud. Don’t allow it to fester because it’ll create chaos later. A psychologically safe workplace is one where employees can be comfortable holding different opinions because they know their opinions are heard and valued despite being different.

8. Check up on your team regularly

Show concern and interest for your team beyond the work they do. Make it a habit to frequently check on how they’re doing, not just with their projects, but also personally. Taking an interest in your employees’ overall well-being creates a sense of camaraderie that can help them become more authentic at work.

Every workplace involves some level of personal sharing. When checking up on employees, always allow the other person to share as much or as little detail as they are comfortable doing so. You can arrange regular one-on-one meetings to personally talk with your employees. They may be time-consuming but are proven to elicit authentic responses.

9. Remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution

Different individuals have different needs. Some may be comfortable sharing in a group while others prefer the privacy of a closed office. Others may prefer emails over face-to-face meetings.

Allow employees to share opinions in whatever manner they are comfortable with. You can even set up anonymous feedback systems that encourage unrestricted suggestions.

Why Psychological Safety in the Workplace Matters

Every employee deserves to feel safe in their own skin while at work. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Employees who feel safe are more productive and innovative. This results in better work contributions that lead to improved company performance. As a company cares for its employees, the results are manifested in its bottom line.

Beyond company revenues and employee personal satisfaction, creating psychological safety in the workplace is a step toward permanently ending discrimination. It’s the true mark of an ally who goes beyond displaying rainbow colors for Pride Month. It’s the embodiment of what Juneteenth stands for. Psychological safety in the workplace is proof that we have achieved genuine workplace inclusivity.

Equity and equality are often thought of as the same, but they are two different concepts. Equality is the state of being equal, while equity is the state of being fair. Equity means fairness and justice, while equality means sameness. For example, equality would mean everyone receiving the same salary for the same job. Equity would mean that everyone gets a salary based on their experience, skillset, and qualifications.

Equity is significant because it ensures everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. It levels the playing field so that everyone has a fair chance at achieving their goals. Equity is also vital in diversity and inclusion because it allows everyone to feel welcomed, valued, and respected. Equity is about creating an environment where each person can thrive and be their best selves.

5 Ways to Practice Equity in the Workplace

1. Hire based on skills instead of credentials.

Equity in the workplace starts with the hiring process. Job descriptions should be accessible to all, highly relevant, and transparent to draw in a diverse pool of applicants. Everyone must be able to be aware of job openings. Posting them on the company website is not enough, as candidates may not have the correct vocabulary to discover these jobs. Instead, actively recruit diverse individuals by reaching out and connecting with diversity-focused groups.

Switch from credentials-based to skills-based job descriptions to help open up opportunities for those who may not have access to higher education. Hiring should be based on skills and not pedigree to create an even playing field for all applicants.

Be aware of personal biases when recruiting, such as going for whitewashed names and those whose backgrounds are similar to ours. Equity can only be achieved if there is diversity in the recruitment team or if recruiters are trained to fight discrimination. We can create a more equitable workplace by changing our hiring process.

1. Give inclusive benefits and prioritize wage equity.

Offering transparent salaries and personalized benefits is another  way to create equity in the workplace. Employees should be able to access information about how different positions are compensated. Equal wages mean everyone in the same role is paid equally, regardless of gender, race, or other factors.

However, equity goes beyond just equal pay. It also means that a diverse group of people, including minorities, can be offered high-paying salaries. Be careful of having a diverse company where only certain groups of people are afforded high-paying roles while others are relegated to lower-paying jobs.

Offering the same benefits, like spousal insurance and parental leaves to same-sex unions and traditional families, is another way to create equity in the workplace. Finally, consult with each employee about what benefits they need. Some individuals may require special access to certain facilities or be accommodated for more flexible work schedules to cope with specific disabilities. Through consultation, you can tailor your benefit packages to meet the needs of your diverse workforce.

Equality is about making benefits available for everyone. Equity is about giving specific things to individuals who need them. Providing equitable benefits ensures that all employees feel supported, regardless of their situation.

1. Create equitable incentive programs.

Rewards and incentives help create a happy and motivated workforce. This communicates that the company values the employees’ hard work and dedication. However, cultivating diversity in the workplace involves understanding that not all employees are motivated by the same incentives. How can you create an equitable incentive program?

One way to start is by asking employees what motivates them and what kind of incentives they prefer. This will help you ensure that everyone feels their voices are heard and that the incentive program considers their individual needs. Sometimes, it may seem like additional work to craft equitable incentive programs, but in the long run, this will be seen as a better reward vs. enforcing generic or common-for-all incentives.

Additionally, be mindful that the usual incentives (such as drinking or formal dinners) may alienate some employees who don’t drink or prefer not to participate in activities that require a dress code. The organization must learn to respect that everyone has different personal preferences and can’t participate in certain activities. Cash bonuses are often preferred, as they are more flexible and can be used by everyone.

By considering these factors, you can create a genuinely equitable incentive program that will motivate all your employees to do their best work.

1. Observe equitable holidays and be respectful of everyone’s different beliefs.

In today’s workplace, it’s essential to consider the many different holidays people celebrate. While Christmas is a typical holiday for many people worldwide, others may not celebrate it for religious or cultural reasons. When planning company events or celebrations, be sure to take into account the diverse range of holidays that employees may celebrate.

Allow employees to take personal time off for their own religious or cultural holidays. Provide alternative holiday celebrations that will be inclusive for all employees. Avoid forcing Christmas plans or creating very Christmas-centric celebrations, especially if you know that there are employees who don’t celebrate Christmas. Respect any employee’s decision not to participate in certain events such as a Pride March by not belittling or badgering them about why they chose to opt out.

Equity means respecting everyone’s beliefs despite how different they may be. Being equity-minded regarding holidays and celebrations can create a more respectful and enjoyable workplace for all.

1. Prioritize having equitable representation in the leadership team.

Creating diversity in management should be every company’s priority if leaders want to achieve a truly inclusive workplace. This implies creating equitable opportunities for everyone to succeed and get promoted. Provide accessible and adequate training and continuing education programs to help those lacking the skills and knowledge to compete. Make sure to promote based on experience and abilities regardless of gender, race, or cultural background.

This also includes equitable access for all employees, such as wheel-chair accessible areas, closed-caption videos, and accommodations for employees with sensory sensitivities. Creating equitable access to resources, physical or educational, levels the playing field for all employees to grab opportunities. Remember that equity means creating a fair playing field for all, including giving special accommodations to those who’ve been provided less.

Once an organization has a diverse management team, you can genuinely tell there would be workplace equity. Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace will not just be aspirational goals. They will become a reality.

Achieve equity in the workplace today

Achieving equity in the workplace is a complex and multi-layered process, but creating an equitable work environment should be on every business owner’s mind. It’s not always easy to achieve, but it is worth the effort. By implementing these examples of equity in the workplace, we can make strides in creating a more inclusive and equitable work life for each person.

If you want to create a more equitable workplace but don’t know where to start, consult with us today. Let us help you get started on the right path so your employees can feel valued and appreciated.