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.