Transgender Workplace Support Guide

This guide is part of the Transgender Workplace Support Project, delivered in partnership by NHS Lothian Health Promotion Service and LGBT Health and Wellbeing. It is aimed at transgender employees, employers, managers, and human resources (HR) staff.

The need for this guide arose from the recognition that transgender employees are valuable members of any workforce. However, for many transgender individuals, the workplace can feel intimidating or unwelcoming. A key factor in supporting transgender employees is creating an environment where they feel safe and respected. During this project, transgender employees and employers alike emphasised the importance of fostering a positive working relationship between the employee, their employer or manager, and HR staff.

This guide is based on one-to-one interviews with five transgender employees and five employers/managers. We also consulted with professionals and transgender community members in Lothian to gather a wider range of insights. Additionally, we compiled a selection of useful resources aimed at supporting transgender employees. Throughout the guide, you will find quotes from these interviews. These quotes illustrate how meaningful it is for individuals to feel comfortable being open about their gender identity in the workplace. They also highlight how various policies and legislation support this process, ensuring equal treatment and respect for all employees.

We hope this guide provides useful insights to help create safer, more inclusive workplaces for transgender employees. A supportive and understanding environment is beneficial not only for transgender individuals but for the wider organisation. When employers and employees work together to promote inclusion, it leads to higher morale, greater productivity, and improved employee retention. We encourage both employers and employees to use this guide to foster a respectful, open, and supportive workplace culture.