He, She or They – Does it matter in the workplace?

Abstract

This study examines non-binary people’s experience in the workplace with a special focus on the way they experience leadership. Five participants were interviewed and confronted with a hypothetical scenario in which they had to decide whether or not they would take a leadership position. The findings suggest that the non-binary gender identity and colleagues’ attitude towards it affected their decision and in some cases would cause the participants to decline the leadership position. Difficulties navigating the workplace as a non-binary person are also discussed. It is concluded that having a non-binary gender identity complicates not only work life, but most of a person’s daily life. However, more research is needed in order to clearly distinguish what the most pressing issues are.