Supermarket supporting gender switches

Countdown has announced a new transgender transitioning policy for team members who want to switch genders. File photo.

Countdown has launched a new transgender transitioning policy aimed at supporting transitioning team members across the country.

The policy outlines Countdown's responsibilities as an employer and commitment to providing an inclusive environment, as well as the practical assistance available to team members who are transitioning genders.

It is underpinned with information and support for managers to ensure transitioning team members feel comfortable, can be themselves and perform at their best while at work.

Countdown corporate affairs general manager James Walker says as one of the largest employers in New Zealand, Countdown is continually reviewing its employment environment to ensure it meets the needs of all of its 18,000 team members.

"We think it's extremely important that we had a proactive and clear policy around our transgender team members because no matter your sex, age, ethnicity or gender identity, or sexual orientation, we want everyone to feel supported when they work at Countdown," he says.

"We're one of the largest employers in the country, and part of that responsibility is to ensure that we are leading our sector and are a great place to work. That means having formal support processes in place for our transgender team members when they need it, such as when they wish to be known by their new name, using toilets and changing rooms that match their gender identity, and ensuring they can take time off for medical care relating to transition."

He adds Countdown has also included a proactive support service for managers of transitioning team members.

"A lot of the feedback we received from managers and team mates was worrying about using the right language with transitioning team members, or not knowing how to approach conversations or questions. We have several coaches who have extensive experience in helping people through the gender transitioning process, and can assist our leaders with potential conversations they might have with their teams."

Agender NZ president Tracee Nelley says that this policy allows all employees of Countdown to have incredible support, backup and protection within their workplace, allowing them to continue with their lives as they normalise into everyday life.

"Countdown is definitely on the right track with the implementation of this policy and we can only hope that other companies see the importance and follow suit. We at Agender NZ support Countdown and are happy to be involved with such a forward thinking company.”

The Countdown transgender transitioning policy has been introduced across all Countdown supermarkets, distribution centres, processing plants and support offices.

Team members are entitled to:

- Be treated with respect

- The right to do their job free from harassment or discrimination, regardless of sex, age, ethnicity or gender identity or sexual orientation.

- Transitioning team members are entitled to take leave, using any leave entitlements they currently have, for any medical treatments while transitioning. Personal medical details do not need to be disclosed.

- Able to use a bathroom that matches their gender identity, at a time that's right for them.

- Able to decide when they wish to be referred to by new pronouns e.g. his/her.

- Able to adopt a workplace dress code matching their gender identity, at a time that's right for them.

- Free access to EAP, Countdown's employee assistance programme, for nationwide confidential counselling and support.

- Working with managers to talk with teams.

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7 comments

So, is Countdown...

Posted on 09-05-2017 12:34 | By GreertonBoy

Encouraging its workers to change their gender identity? What if someone takes them up on it and then finds they were wrong... too late to go back? Are people who are happy with their gender identity allowed to work there too? Or is that seen as taking a job that might otherwise have gone to someone not sure about their gender identity? Can Countdown force their workers to change gender identity? What a strange world we live in?


Yours is a strange world boy

Posted on 09-05-2017 15:39 | By maildrop

Not sure how you have read that policy and come up with all your "questions". Settle down, they employ 18000 people. Nobody is forcing anyone to do anything other than respect another human being. Grow up.


@Greerton Boy

Posted on 09-05-2017 15:55 | By Papamoaner

Me too. Who gives a stuff as long as they do their job well. Why do they have to make a big thing of it? Let the world mutate in its own way. There are more important things to think about.


@Maildrop

Posted on 09-05-2017 16:47 | By Papamoaner

There he goes again. Maildrop in usual form, attacking the players rather than the ball. Spinning around the deck like a loose cannon. Who does he think he is? I don't always agree with GreertonBoy on everything, but I'm happy to defend him against this obnoxious individual. Telling your debating opponents to "grow up" in the absence of provocation, shows your colours my friend.


Pipsqueak

Posted on 10-05-2017 06:34 | By maildrop

Interesting irony in your comments as usual. Speaking of colours, not that long ago you were advocating "tide cracking". What does that say about someone who thinks they are debating? Resorting to the lowest form always shows you have lost. I find you an obnoxious know it all. So what, don't like it, don't read it.


@maildrop

Posted on 10-05-2017 10:15 | By Papamoaner

I think what you need to learn, having failed to thus far, is to "agree to disagree" and stay on topic.I see in your last post you called me an "obnoxious know it all" That is a compliment thanks. It means I am opinionated like most commentors on the forum. Having an opinion on everything is better than having no opinion on anything (and I don't accuse you of that). If somebody has a different opinion to you, you don't need to tell them to "grow up" It seems to be a favorite expression of yours on these forums. If you don't understand any of this old chap, go into Wiki and look up "symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder" I hope you find it helpful.


Just came across this article

Posted on 17-05-2017 15:01 | By BennyBenson

I think it's great a large employer like Countdown are updating their policies and training in line with current day gender issues concerning their employees. Papamoaner, Maildrop had it right about GreertonBoy needing to grow up, what a load of drivel he wrote and indicates a very backward immature attitude towards an issue that comes up frequently these days. If training and advice isn't there to help people navigate these issues in a positive and helpful way, then in impacts the whole workplace environment and leaves certain people isolated, alone and disconnected.


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