Inclusive Language Matters In The Workplace
This post was inspired by a recent post I’ve seen on LinkedIn as well as the need for everyone to do better in the workplace. There is a real (and a lot of times historical ) impact words can have on the morale of your team and work culture. These hidden triggers can be a catalyst for microaggressions as well. If you want to get the best out of your team and encourage collaboration, then it would be wise to begin using inclusive language on a daily basis.
The inclusive language examples provided in this article place an emphasis on jobs related to the tech industry, but please feel free to leave more examples from non-techy industries in the comment section:
BAD: ̶L̶a̶d̶i̶e̶s̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶G̶e̶n̶t̶l̶e̶m̶e̶n̶ (Ladies and Gentlemen)
Good: Everyone/Folks
BAD: ̶H̶u̶s̶b̶a̶n̶d̶/̶W̶i̶f̶e̶(Husband/Wife)
Good: Spouse/Partner
BAD: ̶ ̶M̶a̶s̶t̶e̶r̶(Master branch)
Good: Main Branch
BAD: ̶S̶a̶l̶e̶s̶m̶a̶n̶(Salesman)
GOOD: Salesperson
BAD: ̶M̶a̶n̶h̶o̶u̶r̶s̶(Manhours)
GOOD: Workhours
BAD: ̶B̶l̶a̶c̶k̶l̶i̶s̶t̶(Blacklist)
GOOD: Blocked list
BAD: ̶W̶h̶i̶t̶e̶l̶i̶s̶t̶(Whitelist)
GOOD: Allowed List
BAD: ̶N̶o̶n̶-̶w̶h̶i̶t̶e̶(Non-white)
GOOD: BIPOC, People of Color
BAD: ̶G̶r̶a̶n̶d̶f̶a̶t̶h̶e̶r̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶i̶n̶(Grandfathering in)
GOOD: Legacy
BAD: ̶B̶l̶i̶n̶d̶ ̶s̶p̶o̶t̶(Blind Spot)
GOOD: Problem Area