It’s About More Than Bathrooms: Understanding Gender Identity and Expression in the Workplace
For employers today, gender identity and gender expression are top of mind. As the trend of transgender social inclusion continues, naturally oppressive forces push back and can strain workforce relationships. This timely session will focus on transgender inclusion and diversity in the workplace with a deep dive into the legal and practical issues related to gender identity and expression in the workplace. Topics such as gender-based restroom etiquette, non-discrimination in health services and workplace activities at the state and federal levels, and dealing with associated questions and complaints will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn to distinguish among sex-based gender, gender identity and gender expression in a practical fashion that includes a discussion of the application and utilization of gender pronouns.
- Discuss the current legal environment at the state and federal levels related to regulation of gender identity and gender expression in the workplace and within society at large.
- Learn how to respond to complaints and questions regarding gender expression and gender identity in the workplace.
- Explore recent executive agency memoranda and rulings both in support and in opposition to gender expression in the workplace and within society at large.
- Discuss C-suite and executive partner buy-in for gender expression initiatives in the workplace.
Jason N. Sheffield
Jason has experience in a broad range of employee benefit matters respecting both retirement and welfare plans. He has worked with clients of all sizes to develop, implement and administer qualified and non-qualified plans. He has represented corporate, institutional and individual clients before several administrative agencies, including the Department of Labor, Internal Revenue Service and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Prior to working as a benefits attorney, Jason worked as a litigation consultant, advising on multi-district and complex litigation related to oversight and administration of ERISA-governed benefit plans. He has also worked as a lobbyist. Jason received his J.D. from Western New England University School of Law and his B.A. from Georgia State University, magna cum laude. He has spent significant time as a lecturer and instructor on benefits issues. |
Rachael McCann
Rachael is a Senior Director in the Willis Towers Watson (WTW) Philadelphia office with over 20 years of experience supporting clients in benefit strategy, innovation and modernization.
As the leader of the North American Inclusion & Diversity practice for Health & Benefits (H&B), Rachael is a strong advocate for promoting and advancing the role of benefits in Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) and coordinating with talent and sustainability strategies and commitments. Rachael is a member of the H&B Thought Leadership team and continues to serve as a senior H&B strategist for employers as they evolve their health & welfare programs.
Until recently, Rachael led the North American H&B Compliance team focused on related plan design and strategy, including I&D.
Professional expertise includes
- Advising clients on the interplay of I&D with talent and total rewards, and how employers can optimize their benefit offerings based on the diverse characteristics of their current and future workforce
- Supporting clients in linking their benefit and people strategies to sustainability and ESG commitments and related external metrics, reporting and measurement, and investor and regulator expectations
- Supporting clients in their health and welfare strategy, benchmarking, design, vendor management, compliance, due diligence and implementation. Rachael’s audit strategy and compliance consulting has focused on compliance requirements and best practices with respect to government regulations as well as management priorities around I&D
Publications and Podcasts
- On the WTW site: blogs on the Insight’s page, several podcast sessions. Externally contributions to articles on I&D and Caregiving,
Education and Credentials
- Rachael received a B.A. in Psychology from Stonehill College