Dive Brief:
- The Lily reports that transgender individuals still struggle with society's stigmas, and, as a result, face many barriers to adequate employment. Some are unsure how to approach their employers; others struggle with finding jobs or advancing in their current jobs.
- Mentors can help transgender individuals find the support they need to succeed in any number of industries, but employers must put forth resources to actively reach out to such groups, according to the report.
- A number of cities, including Chicago and San Francisco, have sponsored programs to provide career coaching, career development programs and mentoring for transgender and gender noncomforming individuals. Employers can take cues from these organizations or even hire graduates of such programs.
Dive Insight:
The U.S. workforce benefits from a wide range of diversity, including those who identify as LGBT. Clear diversity goals, coupled with the availability of mentoring, can help with those efforts.
Solid nondiscrimination policies are important as well. While the federal appeals courts (and the federal government itself) are divided over whether federal law protects such individuals from discrimination, employers would be wise to add LGBT status to their EEO policies, employment law experts say.
Employers also may want to consider strong communication policies and education for managers on creating an inclusive, supportive and respectful environment in which workers can grow professionally.
