The working situation for trans people

Two surveys evaluated by Transgender Network Switzerland (TGNS) (2014 and 2018) on the work situation in Switzerland and on the coming out at the workplace paint an unpleasing picture: treating trans people equally.

The main findings from the survey were:

Unemployment

  • 20% of trans people of working age are unemployed. This rate is about five times higher than the national average.
  • 16% of the companies surveyed do not want to hire trans people because they fear complications in internal cooperation and with customers.
  • More than 30% of the unemployed were terminated on the grounds that they were trans.
  • The duration of unemployment is 20.2 months on average and is therefore only just under the 24-month limit to the level of taxation.
  • The unemployment rate for trans persons costs the state more than CHF 60 million year after year.

Coming-out

  • About 25% of the coming-out processes in the workplace fail and lead to the dissolution of the employment relationship – or to a worsening of the professional situation for trans people.
  • 25% of the trans people stated that they had experienced little or no support during their coming-out.
  • About 45% of the trans people are unsure how to approach a coming-out at the workplace.
  • Employers and employment agencies have little to no awareness and experience in dealing with trans people.