Quick Guide to Inclusive Language
What is the real problem?
The move is the latest attempt by the Saudi government to censor what it sees as LGBTQ references in the conservative country. State-run Al-Ekhbariya television said rainbow-colored materials send a «poisoned message.– so, where are you from?
There are many things that can be done in the workplace to make it more inclusive. We will approach this from two sides, one being the work place, and two being the telecommuting and hybrid options.
At Work
Overall goals in the workplace.
– make it a core value– create a human centric workplace– discourage exclusive language– implement new programs in the future
The physical workplace needs to make everybody feel comfortable and included.
– flexible schedules– gender, friendly bathrooms– meals that fit everyone– prayer rooms
Working from home can create an environment that provides the ultimate inclusion, even though we’re at a distance.
– provide a high quality equipment to the employees– offer training to work more effectively– encourage hybrid models that allow personal interaction– sponsor events to create inclusiveness and social time
Inquire.
– try to understand where the person is coming from
Inform.
– educate the individual if you know, the historical context associated with the phrases that they used.
Emphasize.
– focus on how it made you feel, not anyone else.
How to deal with it
Real Examples
Inquire.
I overheard that you used the word… What does that word mean to you?
Inform.
I see, thank you for explaining. That word means something very different to me. Let me put it in context…
Emphasize.
-Focus on how it made you feel, not anyone else.
What to Avoid
Where do these come from?
– to slave away– to crack the whip
Are these expressions ok to you?
– I’m not racist. I have Black Friends.– I am color blind/I don’t see color.
Advancing the scientific study of language since 1924.
– Download these guidelines on PDF from the Linguistic Society of America.
Why this is important?
