Supporting Gender Differences Through Self-Awareness, Respect, and Civility
Complaints of incivility and mistreatment of employees with different genders is on the rise in the past two years according to SHRM’s Civility Study. Organizations seek one-on-one coaching when employees exhibit disrespectful behavior or violations of policies or core values. These microaggressions may involve women in fields often dominated by men or are targeted toward non-binary or transgender employees.
Gaining self-awareness regarding gender and using respectful practices support cultures of belonging and are required by most state and federal laws, including EEOC guidelines.
Why Request Gender Coaching
Corporations and organizations typically request gender coaching for individual employees when they receive reports or witness employees using harmful insensitive language related to gender or misgendering another employee and not knowing next steps in responding to the situation, or maybe an executive wants to know how to model inclusive behavior related to gender.
Remaining Open to Understanding Differences in Genders
While employees may not understand why another person has a different gender, being respectful in conversation and remaining open to learning are ways to support team members is essential. Employee and manager behaviors should match up with the organization’s values and follow the guidelines of employee conduct. Contributing to a culture where differences are welcomed has benefits including innovation and increased engagement.
If your leadership or HR team is seeking to reduce inequities resulting from unconscious bias, better support trans and non-binary employees, or address specific issues of misgendering or microaggressions, gender coaching offers relevant and effective guidance with strategies for change.
What Is Gender Sensitivity Coaching?
It is one-on-one training to learn why comments and actions related to sex or gender in the workplace may be inappropriate and harmful and acquire new skills to treat team members with respect when interacting directly or communicating with other colleagues.
Coaching is often assigned after an incident of conduct which violates the employee handbook or policies. It is professional development training that focuses on sensitivity and awareness about bias, stereotyping, and the social views about gender and expression.
Here are some common terms that arise in gender coaching at work:
Inquire about Gender Coaching
Benefits of Gender Coaching
Listed below are benefits employers and employees gain from engaging in gender coaching.
Benefits
- Gain awareness of personal biases about gender
- Recognize how women may be treated differently at work
- Understand the lived experiences of employees with non-binary or transgender identities
- Increase sensitivity and awareness of gender-based microaggressions
- Know the steps to intervene when witnessing harmful jokes or comments
- Acknowledge the vast differences in genders of individuals
- Respect policies regarding restroom use
- Know how to use pronouns correctly
- Have a raised awareness of gender transitions and how to support them at work
The format for gender coaching can be online through Go To Meeting or Zoom, or onsite training can be arranged at your location.
When Is Gender Coaching Needed?
Organizations and corporations may choose to pursue gender coaching for many reasons. Below are some of the most common reasons gender coaching is needed in the workplace.
- Misgendering a Coworker
What does misgendering mean?
Misgendering is when an employee refers to another employee directly or indirectly with language that does not match their gender identity or expression. Misgendering occurs most often with transgender or non-binary employees.
Example of Misgendering
An employee says to transgender team member, “Hey dude…I mean girl…what do you want to be called again?” This happened after already having the conversation with the team member about her pronouns and gender.
In this instance, gender coaching can be used for awareness of the harm caused by comments like this and steps they can take to use respectful communication in the future.
- Using Incorrect Pronouns for a Team Member
If an employee uses incorrect pronouns when referring to another team member, after being corrected, training and practice is recommended.
Microaggressions Toward Trans and Gender-Diverse Employees
Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional comments or actions that marginalize people based on gender. These can include:
- “You don’t look trans” or “I never would have known”
- Jokes about someone’s appearance or “preferred pronouns”
- Asking invasive questions about someone’s body or medical history
- Praising someone as “brave” for coming out, in a way that centers discomfort rather than support
Gender coaching helps staff understand how microaggressions work, why they’re harmful, and how to shift to respectful, affirming communication.
- Unclear Policies Around Gender Inclusion
If your organization lacks clear guidelines on pronoun usage, restroom access, or transitioning support, gender coaching can help you:
- Create or revise inclusive workplace policies
- Educate HR and leadership on best practices
- Build trust and clarity across your organization
- Disparities in Advancement or Visibility
Trans and non-binary employees — along with women and other marginalized genders — may be overlooked for promotions or not invited into key leadership spaces. Gender coaching helps uncover structural biases and help executives and employees work toward a transformative and welcoming culture.
- After a Harassment or Discrimination Complaint
If your organization has faced a complaint involving gender-based discrimination, misgendering, or exclusion, coaching can be part of a restorative response to:
- Rebuild trust
- Address underlying behaviors
- Prevent future harm
- Shift the culture toward accountability and inclusion
Why It Matters
An inclusive workplace isn’t just good ethics — it’s smart business. Organizations that embrace gender diversity and equity see:
✔ Higher employee satisfaction and retention
✔ Stronger team collaboration and innovation
✔ Reduced risk of complaints or legal claims
✔ Enhanced employer brand and public image
Let’s Build a Culture of Respect
We offer tailored gender coaching for:
- HR teams and executive leadership
- Managers and people leaders
- Employees who disrespected a coworker
- Teams navigating specific challenges
- Organizations developing or updating culture strategies
Whether you’re addressing a specific incident or working on employee or executive development, our trainers can help.
Book a discovery session or contact us today to learn more.