HRM and the case of transgender workers: a complex landscape of limited HRM “know how” with some pockets of good practice

Abstract

Purpose

Human resource management (HRM) departments report a lack of knowledge on supporting transgender employees during gender transition in the workplace. The purpose of this research is to survey the experiences of transgender workers in English-, French- and German-speaking countries to evaluate their experience of transitioning at work and the HRM support they received to do so.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire consisting of 32 quantitative items and qualitative text boxes was completed by 166 transgender individuals.

Findings

Results show a mostly negative landscape with some pockets of good practice.

Research limitations/implications

Answers are based on self-report measures and data are cross-sectional.

Practical implications

Recommendations for good practice are proposed for HRM departments.

Social implications

A move towards a more inclusive workplace is needed.

Originality/value

Questions focus on HRM practices specifically, whereas other surveys have assessed work practices more broadly.

Citation

Gut, T., Whiley, L. and Beauregard, T.A. (2018), "HRM and the case of transgender workers: a complex landscape of limited HRM “know how” with some pockets of good practice", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 7-11. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-06-2017-0121