Gender diversity, work, and employment: A critical review of the empirical literature

Abstract

Research about gender-diverse (e.g. transgender and/or non-binary) workers has rapidly expanded. However, knowledge remains fragmentary and siloed. Scholars lack a full understanding, hampering their ability to navigate the increasingly complex socio-political landscape surrounding gender. We address these problems through a hybrid systematic-critical review approach that interrogates the empirical literature via a talent lifecycle and career sustainability perspective. Our review of 96 studies shows that gender-diverse workers face discrimination at every stage of the employee lifecycle, predominantly driven by prejudicial attitudes, as well as significant challenges across personal, workgroup, organisational, and industrial contexts. However, studies also emphasise how robust anti-discrimination legislation, informed human resource professionals, strong leadership, and supportive organisational climates can make gender-diverse workers’ careers more sustainable. The review also identifies persistent methodological, theoretical, and disciplinary orthodoxies, suggesting that more innovative research designs and interdisciplinary inquiry could be developed. Building on these insights, we present an integrative conceptual model and future research agenda that provides important avenues to significantly advance the field. By centring gender-diverse workers’ collective dignity and right to a fulfilling career, this review offers a career sustainability agenda for rethinking inclusion, work, and employment amid intensified contestation over diversity, equity, and inclusion.