The level of a business’ gender inclusion is an attribute that can’t be hidden, at least not for long. It is possible to unintentionally hurt a particular gender which may lead to the gender constantly being aware and careful in order not to evoke a gender-biased conversation.
It will shock you how much your business will grow if you incorporate gender-inclusive language. This is why integrating gender, sexual, religious, and ethnic-inclusive language in the workplace is much more critical now than ever to benefit customers and employees.
HOW TO EXAMINE YOUR LANGUAGE IN THE WORKPLACE
Now that this deficiency is sadly widespread in leadership and the recruiting process, business owners and team leaders must analyze their language and content choices to avoid alienating potential customers or employees.
1. Remember the Power of Words
As a leader, you are constantly being watched and emulated. If the work environment lacks gender-inclusive languages, it may be because you don’t speak them.
To incorporate it, watch your words before saying them out loud and chastise anyone who discriminates in their speech.
2. Pay attention to the reaction of the affected
To know if a sentence or speech is gender-inclusive or not, pay attention or ask the affected how the sentence makes them feel and what they would like to hear instead.
REASONS TO USE GENDER-INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE IN YOUR BUSINESS
As a business, you don’t want to turn away potential customers or employees by using offensive language. These are reasons your company should adopt gender-neutral language:
1. Everyone feels accepted
When leaders or fellow employees use gender-inclusive language, it takes the fear away, and everyone can work effectively without constantly being on the defensive whenever words are being spoken.
Businesses that actively increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace are increasingly attractive to job prospects.
The company’s level of diversity can also influence whether a particular group will choose to work there and how long they stay. Moreover, your efforts will reduce employee turnover and increase diversity in the workplace.
2. More productivity
A more diverse workforce is essential to creating a productive workplace, and inclusive language is vital to attracting that workforce.
It will lead to better work relationships among workers, and everyone will be able to see eye to eye while ensuring the task is done in time and everyone wins.
3. Increased customer or client patronage
When a company uses gender-inclusive language and prioritizes diversity, it then has what it takes to forge stronger bonds with customers from a more diverse social class. Everyone feels welcome to patronize you as they find your services suitable for them.
4. Reduced sexism, which is beneficial to the community.
Use inclusive language, such as:
- First-year student instead of a freshman
- Humankind instead of mankind
- People instead of man/men.
- Congress members instead of congressmen
- Chairperson instead of chairman/chairwoman
All this can help create awareness and result in action against discriminating speech in the workplace; soon, the gospel will spread to all and sundry. This will, in turn, lead to a sexually unbiased community or society.
Every action, even the choice of words, has consequences while running a business. Choose phrases that will benefit your employee and your business community.
However, in your quest to integrate gender-inclusive language in the workplace, be tolerant and gentle as you seek adjustments for yourself and your employees.
