At the online conference “Trans and the Labor Market” organized by the Bundesverband Trans (BVT*), PROUT AT WORK contributed with a keynote and a workshop. Additionally, PROUT AT WORK and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Trans*- und Intergeschlechtlichkeit e.V. (dgti) hosted a full-day conference in Frankfurt am Main. Under the theme “Trans* in the Workplace,” experts, company representatives, and activists came together to raise awareness for gender diversity and to develop strategies for inclusive workplace cultures.
Why Gender Diversity in the Workplace Matters
Trans* people continue to face disproportionately high levels of discrimination. According to the “Out at the Office?!” study, 87% of trans* respondents have experienced workplace discrimination. This highlights the urgent need to sensitize companies to the challenges and needs of the trans* community.
Online Conference: Trans* and the Labor Market
On February 29, 2024, the online conference “Trans* and the Labor Market” by the Bundesverband Trans* (BVT*) took place. Many trans* and non-binary individuals are hesitant to come out at work due to fear of career setbacks or discrimination. As such, this year’s conference focused on the design and handling of coming-out processes:
- How can companies support trans* and non-binary individuals during their coming out and retain valuable talent?
- How can employers create preconditions that make it easier for trans* and non-binary employees to come out?
At the online event, PROUT AT WORK delivered a keynote on “Trans* Coming Out – The Benefits of Responsible Support in the Corporate Context,” and hosted a workshop titled “Shaping the Coming Out at Work – Tips and Tools to Support Employees Effectively.”
dgti and PROUT AT WORK: Trans* in the Workplace
To promote gender diversity in the workplace, dgti and PROUT AT WORK—supported by consulting firm Campana & Schott, Commerzbank, KfW Bank, audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH, and the Office for Multicultural Affairs (AmkA)—organized a full-day conference in Frankfurt am Main on November 26, 2024. The event was primarily aimed at employees and executives in HR and recruiting, as well as diversity and equality officers.
Dr. Christophe Campana, founder of Campana & Schott, emphasized: “Now more than ever, corporate responsibility is crucial to making the workplace a safe space for everyone.”
Presentation of the Study “TIN*clusive at the Office?!”
Dipl.-Psych. Prof. Dr. Dominic Frohn and M. Sc. Nain Heiligers presented findings from the new study “TINclusive at the Office?!”* This study explores the workplace experiences of trans*, inter*, and non-binary (TIN*) individuals:
- More than half of TIN* employees avoid coming out to colleagues or managers.
- Only 12.6% of respondents reported no discrimination, while over a third experienced high to very high levels of discrimination.
- Two-thirds reported experiencing specific discrimination based on their identity.
Best Practices and Workshops
Participants could join three hands-on workshops:
- Transition in the Company and the Self-Determination Act
- Creating and Sustaining Safe Spaces – Companies as Safer Spaces
- Non-Binarity and Inclusive Language
The event also encouraged sharing of best practices. Companies like Campana & Schott emphasized that diversity is a key factor for success. Alexander von Steinbüchel, Partner at Campana & Schott, stated: “We want everyone at Campana & Schott to feel welcome, comfortable, and safe.”
Conclusion: A Path Toward Greater Acceptance and Equal Opportunities
“Gender diversity is an asset for companies. When employees can bring their full potential to work, we all benefit.” – Jo Labecka, Customer Relationship Manager, PROUT AT WORK
The conference “Trans* in the Workplace”* made it clear how essential a safe and supportive work environment is for trans* people. Through the sharing of knowledge, the presentation of new research, and practical workshops, an important step was taken toward building a more inclusive working world.
Impressions from the event
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