Kochi Metro Rail Limited: A Transgender Inclusive Workplace

On July 18, 2022, transgender employees of Kochi Metro Rail Limited revealed several sad stories of discrimination, low salary, and inaccessible toilets in the workplace. The publicly owned company based in Kochi, India aimed to be seen as among the most sustainable and connected organizations in the country. In 2017, the company made a conscious effort to hire transgender candidates into primary positions. After hiring 1,000 women and 23 transgender employees as part of its social inclusion initiative, Kochi Metro Rail Limited earned praise from the public as an inclusive workplace. The company soon reached a high of 43 transgender employees, but that number dropped considerably down to nine employees within only five years, after issues and disappointments surfaced among the workforce. The transgender community saw the company’s transgender employee policy as a promotional stunt to gain publicity and public attention. To regain its former status among India’s top companies for social inclusion, it was imperative for Kochi Metro Rail Limited to quickly find a way to attract and retain transgender employees.

This case can be used in organizational behaviour, human resource management, managerial communication, and diversity and inclusion courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The case is also suitable for executive modules and management development programs. After completion of this case, students will be able to<ul><li>evaluate the significance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace;</li><li>understand the pros and cons of hiring transgender employees to encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace; and</li><li>appreciate the importance of psychological safety to achieve employee retention.</li></ul>

• Inclusive, sustainable, transgender
• culture, diversity