I spoke one-on-one to our HR department, my boss, and also to 6 people I trust at work at the beginning of transition. I told another 20 or so about six weeks before changing my name and presentation at work. These were the people that I wanted to hear the news directly from me.
I did take two weeks off work while they sorted everything out. I prepared a mailing list in advance of people that needed to be advised of my new name to avoid confusion. HR and I worked together to get the wording for the email just right over a few months before. It was sent by the CEO to everyone on the list which included internal and external business contacts. It was over a thousand people which was frightening as hell - but you can't change your name and expect people not to notice.
Some consultants came in and delivered diversity training for about 120 people that I work directly with whilst I was away. This was an opportunity for everyone to ask questions in a safe place with no judgement about what it means to be trans and why people transition their gender. It was intentionally conducted in small groups. I can see why it made sense to be away during this time while people were figuring it all out, probably revisiting every interaction they ever had with me, asking dumb questions about what it means to be a man or a woman, and probably gossiping a bit. There was no sense in my being there for that.
Work kindly offered to pay me whilst I was away from the office on break. I decided to take unpaid leave as they had already invested so much more money and effort than I felt I deserved to make my transition easy going.
The first day back was terrifying. There is no sugar coating it. I had been living female outside of work for several months, and couldn't conceal breast growth any longer. Still... turning up to work for the first time in female clothes and my wig was scary as hell.
But everyone has been awesome. I received hundreds and hundreds of emails and messages of support, and cards and gifts. I feel like the people (if there are any) who are angry or confused by my transition are hiding in the corner keeping their xenophobia to themselves. All the things I was scared of never really eventuated - which has been the story of my whole transition really. It was great.
We missed a few people out by accident. Our security teams and the staff at the cafes are contractors, and didn't get any notification. It was a bit of a shock for them. Our HR department changed all the payroll records, phone directories, my voicemail, email, security passes, etc while I was away. They also briefed our reception on how to handle calls asking for me by my old name.
Four months on, and I'm completely adjusted to my new identity in the workplace. I barely even think about it. I'm back to complaining about bad coffee and researching vacation destinations when I should be working. [emoji4]
Problems sometimes arise with old documentation and people who have joined the workplace since I transitioned, but I always just refer to it as my old name, and let others think whatever they will about me.
I'm pretty happy with how things turned out. I don't ever want to leave my employer.
All the best for your workplace transition! When does it all happen?
Hugs!
Claire
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