Trans is an umbrella term for people identifying with the spectrum of transgenderism, gender dysphoria, transsexualism, non-binary, genderqueer, gender-variant, gender-fluid. The majority of these trans individuals choose a medical transition. Although return-to-work (RTW) has been a major research domain, clear information of job re-entry of trans patients is lacking which has been objectified by a systematic review.

By way of a mixed methods study design our project will investigate RTW in three phases. We start off with an online survey and semi-structured interviews to gather information about the experiences of going back to work of transgender individuals whom have already finished their transition. An aim is at this stage to also gather data of objective variables such as chosen steps in transgender health care accompanied by the number of sick days, turnover, consultations with the occupational physician etc. During the interviews focus will be on facilitators and barriers. Building on this data, we will investigate RTW of trans women, the most vulnerable group according to experts, during their transition by way of a semi-structured diary and interviews at index and follow-up. The final phase includes mirroring our collected data to experiences of all actors involved in the RTW process by way of focus groups. As such we aim to develop a ‘tool’ to help health care professionals and prevention advisors in guiding transgender employees in a tailored way to sustainable return to work retention.