What Is Gender-Neutral Language And Why Is It Important?
Gendered language is usually deeply ingrained in people's minds due to society's expectations of masculinity and femininity. While it's often not intentional, it can make people feel uncomfortable and create misconceptions and barriers. Additionally, gendered language can create assumptions about someone's pronouns, sexual orientation, and identity. On the other hand, gender-neutral language is inclusive and doesn't reinforce any sort of gendered bias or misconception. In this article, we discuss 5 tips companies can follow to ensure all employees feel comfortable and safe in their workplace.
Neutral Alternatives To Gendered Words
In a gender-neutral world, the word "they" should be everyone's best friend. Some people in the workplace and society are non-binary, meaning that they identify neither as a man nor a woman. Colleagues should not wait until someone corrects them to start using inclusive words. During official meetings and presentations, employees and managers should avoid referring to participants as "ladies and gentlemen." Instead, they can use the words "everyone" or "folks." Furthermore, everyone at the office must replace common gendered words with more inclusive alternatives. For example, the chairman should be the chairperson, the boyfriend and girlfriend should be partners, mankind should be humankind, and so on. By making these small yet key changes, professionals don't discriminate based on gender and treat everyone equally. They also show empathy towards non-binary people who don't feel comfortable being strictly identified as any gender.
5 Ways Companies And Employees Can Be Inclusive
1. Don't Make Assumptions
Colleagues spend many hours together every day. Although that might give them the impression that they know their officemates, it doesn't give them the right to make assumptions. Specifically, it's not right to assume that a female colleague has a boyfriend or husband, as this may force them to come out to correct the mistake or lie to protect their privacy. Moreover, if someone is talking about their partner and kids, don't just assume that it's a heterosexual, cisgender family. Families come in different shapes and forms. Finally, professionals shouldn't assume someone's sexual identity based on their clothes, mannerisms, or overall attitude. Using gender-neutral language makes everyone feel included and safe to express themselves around the office.
2. Use Gender-Neutral Titles
When crafting a professional email, many people start by saying, "Dear Sir or Madam." If people can't locate the name of the person they are contacting, they can say "To whom it may concern" as a more inclusive approach. Also, instead of Mrs. and Mr., professionals should use the gender-neutral Mx. This way, they are not assuming anyone's gender or a woman's marital status. Additionally, companies must change their approach to job listings. Not only should they avoid mentioning genders, but they must also replace words that are often associated with a specific gender. For instance, a tech company shouldn't ask for a "tech ninja," but rather an "engineer" since the former description tends to attract more male than female applicants.
3. Avoid Gender-Biased Phrases
There are many phrases in our everyday language that may paint one gender or the other in a negative light, and many of them have made their way into the workplace. For example, when someone wants to tell a colleague to build courage, they might say, "Man up." However, such a phrase is deeply problematic since it creates specific expectations based solely on gender bias. Co-workers and managers should refrain from using harmful phrases and adopt gender-neutral language. No individual should feel like they have to act or feel a certain way due to their gender. A company must ensure all employees feel comfortable at work by cultivating an open culture that promotes inclusivity and acceptance.
4. Ask People's Pronouns
It's important to remember that you can't be sure of someone's pronouns just by looking at them. Therefore, instead of assuming, everyone in the workplace should ask their colleagues' pronouns to avoid misgendering them. When a person is called with the wrong pronoun, they might feel disrespected, dismissed, and even dysphoric. Not having to worry about misgendering is a privilege, and those who enjoy it should realize that not everyone is in the same position. When it comes to managers, asking their employees' pronouns sets an excellent example for the workforce. And while mistakes do happen, professionals shouldn't be afraid to apologize, show their respect, and embrace gender-neutral language moving forward.
5. Diversify Dress Code
Many companies try to adopt a "one size fits all" policy when it comes to dress codes in the office. However, not everyone is able or willing to wear the appointed clothing options. According to the Human Rights Campaign, requiring men to wear pantsuits and women to wear skirts and dresses is an archaic requirement based on gender stereotypes. Corporations should carve out a more inclusive policy that allows team members to choose their clothing regardless of gender. Gender-neutral clothes must be included in any business's dress code to make every employee feel comfortable. Additionally, companies should ask for their employees' feedback and check how their clothing rules can be more inclusive.
Conclusion
Gender-neutral language shouldn't be treated as a tool for companies to be politically correct and avoid criticism. It should be a medium to show support and respect for the unique identities of their workforce. Our society has made tremendous progress so far, and organizations and professionals should use their power to help it achieve even more new milestones. Especially those who come from a place of privilege shouldn't stay complacent and instead make powerful efforts to achieve equality. Follow the tips we shared in this article to ensure a more inclusive workplace and a happier and more diverse workforce.
