For
everyone
PUMA sets up gender-neutral restrooms at its headquarters
October 24, 2022PUMA sets up gender-neutral restrooms at its headquarters
October 24, 2022Have you ever thought about it? Toilets are an everyday need that have always been assigned a label – one that defines your gender! We have now decided to act and change the restroom labels to create an even more inclusive workplace. We started by setting up a gender-neutral washroom at our headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, before going global. Learn more about the further plans and why this step is important in our CATch up interview with Dietmar Knoess, Global Director People & Organization at PUMA.
This is a step towards more equality and inclusivity at PUMA. Gender-neutral toilets are a hotly debated topic in many societies. For those who have no experience with transgender individuals, non-binary people or do not know someone who is questioning their gender identity, they may seem trivial. But we believe they should be part of a modern workplace.
“For most, choosing the correct toilet door to walk through based on its girl or boy icon is no more than a split second decision. However, for transgender individuals, non-binary people or those questioning their gender identity, it is an everyday struggle that reminds them how society requires them to fit within a box that they may have battled with their whole lives. So we want to take this step. It´s a small one for PUMA, but it can mean something really big to some employees.”
Dietmar Knoess, Global Director People & Organization at PUMA
At our HQ we now see the first washroom with gender neutral stickers. Will there be more to follow?
Dietmar: We started with our “EVERYONE” toilets in the canteen. Some days ago we changed the stickers and saw how they were perceived. In the coming days and weeks, all other toilets in the HQ building will gradually be adapted.
How is the perception?
Dietmar: It was very interesting to see. They caused some confusion among the staff, as many of them spontaneously didn’t know which door to use. We have had some discussions. Most people think it’s great, a few people were worried about being disturbed in their privacy.
It has to be said that there are still two entrances, right? However, the labels are identical in each case. They are gender neutral.
Dietmar: Correct! Both doors have a big sticker that says “EVERYONE”. We want to make sure that no one feels excluded and we also like to raise awareness that there are more than two gender identities.
What do you think are the advantages of gender-neutral washrooms and the adapted stickers?
Dietmar: They promote equity. For most, choosing the correct toilet door to walk through based on its girl or boy icon is no more than a split second decision. However, for transgender individuals, non-binary people or those who question their gender identity, it is a daily struggle that reminds them that society requires them to fit into a pigeonhole that they may have struggled with all their lives. That’s why we want to take this step. It’s a small step for PUMA, but it can mean something really big for some employees.
Will more unisex restrooms in other PUMA offices follow?
Dietmar: Yes, we will implement gender-neutral restrooms wherever it is legally possible. Some regions already have them, for example in Scandinavia. It is common practice there. It depends on the culture. In many countries, the toilets are already established and there is no longer any discussion.
