Being Trans at So Energy

So Energy has always tried to be a fully inclusive employer and that’s been noticed by people outside the organisation. We spoke with Eden, from the So Energy team in London, about how they found a welcoming home inside So Energy.

How did you learn about So Energy and why did you consider joining them?

I joined So Energy after a referral from a friend at my last job. They were also trans and, after joining So Energy, they told me that it was very inclusive and welcoming environment. After interviewing with a few people and getting a sense of the business, I accepted their offer to join about a year and a half ago.

Was finding an inclusive organisation a clear part of your job search?

Yes, finding somewhere I felt I could be myself was really important to me. In my previous role I’d spoken with my management about coming out but was told that I shouldn’t be open about who I was because of potential negative feedback from employees and customers. As you can imagine this was disappointing and made me look for new opportunities.

What as your onboarding process like?

When I first joined So Energy I wasn’t yet out to my colleagues. On my first day in the company I spoke to Stephen, the Head of Learning, Performance and Development, and told him I wanted to be known by the name Eden.

I then came out to my onboarding group after the conduct training and had a great response. I was pleased to discover that one colleague would even correct others who used incorrect pronouns when I wasn't in the room. The training team also told me that they would correct each other in meetings about our training.

That sounds like a great experience. How have things developed from there?

It’s continued to move forward in the same positive way. My Team Leader and everyone in my team have been excellent at using they/them and making sure I feel included and safe at SO Energy.

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing and some people continue to struggle with or even resist non-binary pronouns. Some need to be reminded which pronouns are more appropriate, but I am very proud of the work that the LGBTQIA+ affinity group, as well as other ED&I groups within the company, are doing. I have some great coworkers who are helping to incorporate the full range of pronouns/gender identities in the business.

What’s next for you at So Energy?

Today I am working on my own and with the broader team to pay it forward and contribute to So Energy's continued development as a safe space for other trans people and normalise inclusive language. I hope that we can continue to welcome a diverse set of people and with equally diverse talents to So Energy.

Make sure to read more about how we're celebrating Pride this year at So Energy.