Health-related changes: gender transition

Supporting workers during gender transition 

Transitioning gender while continuing to work can be highly stressful, and the worker is vulnerable to a range of health and safety issues including: 

• potential stigma 
• increased prejudice and discrimination 
• concerns and uncertainty about how much personal information to share with co-workers 
• unique social, physical and psychological challenges 
• a change in perceptions of work-related competence 
• having to keep silent on their experience. 

Generally, workers do not have to inform their workplace about their health, unless it will affect their capacity to perform their role or presents a safety risk to the person or their colleagues. However, health-related changes offer opportunities for people and organisations to collaborate to develop effective responses that support workers to remain productive and effective at work. 

What organisations can do to support gender transitions 

Transgender people who feel supported and accepted at work have a better chance of completing their transition. And organisations that support transgender people benefit from positive worker attitudes, higher quality work and staff retention. 

Here are some ideas for how your organisation can support workers going through a gender transition: 

• Understand the essential role of the manager in helping to facilitate a smooth, discrimination-free experience for the worker. Ensure the person is involved in all steps, that their decisions around privacy and confidentiality are respected, and that a support team of internal and external people to support the worker’s wellbeing is provided. 
• Offer support such as gender transition leave, access to preferred facilities (e.g. toilets), uniforms that match identity, and records that reflect preferred name and pronouns. 
• Actively manage the potential for implicit bias towards transitioning workers. 
• Be aware of potential workplace discrimination. 
• Increase organisational awareness around transgender people. 
• Include transgender and gender diversity issues in diversity and inclusion training. 
• Support lived experience groups and peer mentoring support. 
• Provide access to suitably skilled Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). 
• Provide training for your human resources team on the specific health needs that transgender and gender diverse workers may experience. 
• Provide a confidential point of contact so transgender or gender-questioning people can discuss plans and raise any complaints. 

Transgender and gender diverse people in your organisation need an internal support team that understands their physical and mental health needs. Providing targeted training for managers, human resources teams and colleagues helps create this supportive environment. 

What people can do to support their gender transition at work 

Starting to express your felt gender identity can raise mixed feelings. It can be both anxiety provoking (relating to concerns about the reactions of others), but also build confidence (in your ability to live in your affirmed gender role). Support at this time is crucial to protect mental health and wellbeing. 

Here is what you can do if you are undergoing a gender transition: 

• Find a good healthcare team who specialise in gender transitions and can link you to relevant support services. 
• Focus on physical and mental health. As far as possible, maintain a healthy diet and sleep routine, reduce your use of drugs and alcohol, and engage in regular exercise that you enjoy, which can all help to boost mood and connect with your body in positive ways. 
• Build personal resources, e.g. connect with positive family, friends and peers, take time away from social media if it is a drain on your energy, and engage in self-care. 
• Take some time to find what feels right for you in how you express your identity and gender. This does not have to meet others’ standards or stereotypes. 

You need strong supports as you transition genders. Surround yourself with the right healthcare team, as well as positive family, friends and peers.