The Power of Inclusive Language

We never mean to hurt anyone’s feelings, but……

The words we use in common, everyday interactions have an immense impact on how we make people feel, especially in the workplace. We are so steeped in traditional language and ways to express our thoughts, we can unintentionally use language that excludes, alienates or even offend the people we need to collaborate with to make the work, work.

Pause to consider how you refer to your colleagues:

• Do you use their correct pronouns (she/her, he/his, they/them)?

• Do you assume gender based on a name, appearance or sound of their voice?

• When addressing a mixed group, do you default to masculine terms like “Good morning, guys “?

• Do you consistently mispronounce a colleague’s name or gift them a nickname to avoid learning to say it correctly?

• What about the assumptions made when you see a man with a wedding ring—do you automatically assume he has a wife?

These seemingly small moments of language choices carry BIG impact. The opportunity to be more inclusive presents itself in common everyday interactions.

By simply paying more attention to how we speak and become intentional to make small, conscious changes, we can create spaces where everyone feels included and valued.

Consider your day thus far and reflect on the interactions you’ve had already.

Challenge yourself to actively adopt at least one inclusive language practice each week. Your words have the power to be the difference your colleague needs so that you’ll communicate better and nurture a more trusting relationship.