To open up dialogue on gender identity and to show support for trans colleagues, RSA Insurance has launched a new trans-inclusive policy for its employees in the UK.
Under the new policy, RSA’s trans employees can “set the pace of their transition,” a company release explained. They can access toilet facilities corresponding to their gender identity, and RSA will change their records to account for their new names and pronouns. The insurer will also ensure that employees’ transition plans are only discussed to help manage expectations and minimise inappropriate responses.
RSA states it also strictly prohibits all forms of harassment towards staff members, and aggression from any parties – which include leaders and customers – will not be tolerated.
According to RSA, the new policy was developed internally in collaboration with an employee, Jackson McGarry; McGarry recently transitioned while in his role.
“Transitioning is a lifechanging process that can lead to an incredible amount of stress and emotional ups and downs. I’m grateful that RSA and my team have been accommodating to my journey, offering flexible working so I can attend my medical appointments, and I feel supported coming to work every day,” said McGarry, who added that his experience “shouldn’t be a privilege or something that is down to luck.”
“RSA has shown that it values its employees, particularly by including me in the development and ongoing refinement of the guidance. It’s truly encouraging to see a company this size taking concrete, companywide steps to educate its workforce, building an inclusive environment for its trans employees,” McGarry prefaced.
“We believe our business is stronger when it reflects the communities we serve. A diverse and open workforce helps us to innovate and ultimately create better insurance products and services,” commented RSA diversity and inclusion manager Gemma Jackson.
According to Jackson, RSA is proud of all its employees, and wants to ensure that they come to work every day knowing that they are in a safe space.
“We’re constantly reviewing our recruitment processes and training and development programmes to be more inclusive, and our trans policy is our latest initiative to change workplace culture, stamp out discriminatory behaviour and instil tolerant practices,” the manager said.
