Sessions

When employers discuss creating an LGBT-inclusive workplace, too often they overlook the employees represented by the last letter of the acronym. Recent developments have brought the unique challenges faced by transgender employees into the national spotlight and have demonstrated the need for deliberate effort to create an inclusive workplace. So far, 19 states have passed laws that prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and federal law has recently been interpreted to ban gender identity discrimination. On the other hand, some states are passing laws regulating where employees can and cannot go to the bathroom. Employees who have transitioned or who are actively transitioning can face additional challenges in the workplace, from notifying their supervisors and co-workers to changing their appearance, name and preferred pronouns. By implementing policies designed to create a transgender-inclusive workplace, employers can ensure that all their employees feel welcomed and valued. Learn best practices, market trends and legal obligations for creating transgender-inclusive policies, practices and workplace cultures. By the end of this session, you will:

• Understand gender identity, gender expression and gender transitioning, and how they are distinct from sexual orientation.
• Learn about implementing gender-transition guidelines and other policies that affect transgender employees, such as gender-neutral dress codes, equal access to restrooms and confidentiality.
• Discuss the provision of benefits, such as medical leave and health care coverage, for transitioning employees.
• Review best practices for creating a comfortable work environment for customer-facing transgender employees.
• Discuss the impact on employers of the so-called bathroom laws.