Misgendering is an act of referring to someone using a word that doesn't match their gender identity or expression. It can take various forms, such as calling a trans woman "he" or "him," even if she prefers being called "she" or "her." This practice has become more widespread since the rise of nonbinary identities, which have been increasingly recognized in recent years. Misgendering can cause harm and discomfort for those who are misgendered. In the workplace, it can hinder productivity by distracting employees from their tasks, creating a hostile environment, and damaging morale. The following sections will explore the impact of misgendering on workplace productivity.
Distraction
When someone is repeatedly misgendered, they may feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. They may be unable to focus on their work because they are busy trying to defend themselves against misgendering incidents or worry about when the next one might occur. This can lead to decreased concentration, lower performance, and missed deadlines. According to research conducted at the University of California San Francisco, employees who experience regular microaggressions like misgendering had lower job satisfaction scores compared to those who did not.
Another study found that LGBTQ+ individuals experienced higher rates of burnout than their cisgender counterparts due to the stress caused by discrimination and harassment.
Hostility
Misgendering can also create a hostile work environment where people feel unsafe expressing their true selves. When employees see others being misgendered without consequence, they may fear speaking up about their own gender identity or asking for accommodations that would make them more comfortable in the office. This can result in employees feeling isolated, marginalized, and undervalued, leading to increased turnover rates among diverse groups. Moreover, misgendering can create an atmosphere of tension and mistrust between co-workers, which can negatively affect team dynamics and collaboration.
Damaged Morale
Misgendering can damage employee morale by making them feel unseen and unappreciated by their colleagues. Employees who feel marginalized may become disengaged from their work and less committed to achieving company goals. According to a survey conducted by Glassdoor, 64% of LGBTQ+ employees felt that their workplace culture did not support their identities, while only 38% said it was inclusive. This lack of acceptance can lead to decreased productivity, missed opportunities, and lost revenue for companies. It can also lead to negative publicity and damage to a company's reputation if word spreads about its poor treatment of LGBTQ+ workers.
Misgendering can significantly impact workplace productivity by distracting employees, creating a hostile environment, damaging morale, and causing individuals to leave the organization. Companies must prioritize fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe and valued, regardless of gender identity. This includes implementing policies and training programs to prevent misgendering, as well as holding managers accountable for addressing incidents when they occur. By doing so, businesses can ensure a more productive, engaged, and successful workforce that reflects the diversity of our society.
How does misgendering affect workplace productivity?
Misgendering is a term used to describe when someone refers to another individual by the wrong gender pronouns that they have identified with. It can be harmful for individuals who are transgender or nonbinary because it can make them feel invalidated or uncomfortable. This type of behavior could lead to reduced workplace productivity due to feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.