Make Workplaces Comfortable for Transgenders

However, along with a section of gender-neutral bathrooms it is advisable to retain the traditional section of gendered bathrooms too as women particularly need and desire the privacy of gendered bathrooms.

Employers in most parts of the globe are legally required to provide workers reasonable access to restroom facilities. Therefore, on a parallel vein the debate on best practices regarding restroom access for transgender workers has emerged. The core focus is that all transgender employees should have access to restrooms that correspond to their gender identity. Consequently many people who champion the rights of transgenders feel that workers who are uncomfortable with a transgender employee's use of the same restroom or locker room should be advised to use separate facilities.

"According to recent surveys, nearly 70% of transgender people have experienced verbal harassment in a situation involving gender-segregated bathrooms, while nearly 10% have reported physical assault," says Anisha Dam, a trans-woman from Kolkatta.

Indeed discussions about the rights of transgender people in the workplace are starting to take place in earnest. Conversations on employees' gender identity as well as how to protect and respect individuals who identify as a different gender than the one they were assigned at birth, are starting to occur. In response to these changes, some companies are offering gender-neutral bathrooms in the workplace.

Gender-neutral bathrooms are indeed the first step towards reiterating an organisation's commitment towards diversity and inclusion. However, along with a section of gender-neutral bathrooms it is advisable to retain the traditional section of gendered bathrooms too as women particularly need and desire the privacy of gendered bathrooms.

Simply stated, if a work location offers only gendered bathrooms, it might make employees feel uncomfortable and give them a feeling that they are not being recognised.

"An office that has gender-neutral bathrooms fosters an inclusive environment that shows that the company cares about diversity. It also demonstrates that a company does not just tolerate workers' differences but affirms and supports these differences. Having gender-neutral bathrooms sends a clear message that the organisation does not just talk about diversity and inclusion; rather it acts on it. It sends the message that the organisation respects and values every person for who they are and what they contribute, irrespective of what sex they were assigned at birth or their gender identity," says Namrata Goswami (name changed on request) a woman who works in a Guwahati based NGO.

Incidentally, installing gender-neutral bathrooms also helps a workplace communicate its values. The majority of Millennial and Generation Z employees believe that gender-neutral bathrooms should be the norm, so if a company values its younger employees' opinions, it will install the bathrooms.

Given the very tight job market, candidates and current employees have more options when choosing where they want to work. Gender-neutral bathrooms can be an attractive feature that convinces some candidates to apply and can make current employees feel more comfortable.

Having gender-neutral bathrooms will also show that a company is accommodating towards employee needs. "This will make qualified employees more likely to want to work for your company over another, as they shall know that the company values employee needs and has an understanding environment. In an age where people place a tremendous amount of importance on office culture, being known as a people-friendly office is a big plus for potential employees," agrees Radha Das an LGBTQ supporter.

Such bathrooms may also encourage employees to be themselves in the office. "People want to be able to bring their authentic selves to work and companies and organisations are going to have a more engaged workplace if people feel that they belong and are valued in their workplace," Namrata observes.

So how do organisations go about (tackle the logistics) installing gender-neutral bathrooms?

Although it could cost several lakhs to install new bathrooms, the expenditure may be justified if the company is able to make workers feel valued and improve their workplace culture and values.

Logistically, many companies that have the space are already providing both gendered and gender-neutral facilities so that every worker feels comfortable. Namrata says that companies typically should have a gender-neutral bathroom with a single stall and a locking door, while the gendered ones should have multiple stalls.

"The challenge lies more in older buildings with limited space, or office suites with shared hallway bathrooms where the use policies are based on building management and not on a specific organisation's value policies," she shared. Although the current best practice is moving towards allowing people to use the facilities that align with their gender identification, there is a long way to go. This is an evolving subject in many states and countries and is still not mandated by law in many places.

While no single solution shall work for every worksite, employers committed to transgender inclusion should be able to find reasonable solutions that maintain the dignity and respect of all their employees.

Also Read: Bravery is Synonymous with a Woman's World Too

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