By Jessica Costa Silva
“Diversity is you. Because you are unique. Inclusion is accepting you. Because you matter.” – Furkan Karayel
Words shape how we perceive the world and connect with others, so what happens when we intentionally use language that embraces and empowers everyone?
What we say and how we say it can have lasting effects on the people around us. Language is a powerful tool that can unite or divide, uplift or oppress.
The subtle messages we send, whether intentional or not, can make people feel either included or excluded eg. terms like “manpower” or “chairman” unintentionally reinforce gendered norms, even though people of any gender can fill those roles. A small change like “workforce” or “chairperson” can have a significant impact without erasing the meaning of your words.
41% of workers say they feel the greatest sense of belonging at work second only to home, yet 75% report they’ve felt excluded at work, according to a report from Ernst & Young Global Limited’s Belonging Barometer 3.0.
In addition, 56% of workers feel like they can’t share, or are reluctant to share, aspects of their identity at work, especially if they believe it could hold them back. Among LGBTQ+ workers, the percentage is even higher (77%).
Not only is inclusive communication the right thing to do, but it also provides tangible benefits for organisations such as:
- boosting innovation, decision-making, and productivity by ensuring every voice is heard and valued
- cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce
- increasing employee engagement and satisfaction
- sparking innovation and creativity
- strengthening decision-making and problem-solving
- enhancing a company’s reputation and brand image
Top Tips
Be Open to Learning
Language evolves constantly, and what might have been acceptable a decade ago may not be today. Stay curious and open to learning from others. Don’t be afraid to ask respectful questions if you’re ever unsure.
Use Gender-Neutral Terms
Using “they/them” when referring to a person whose gender identity is unknown or unspecified is a simple way to be inclusive. Using gender-neutral words for groups like “everyone” and “team”.
Respect Pronouns
Pronouns are a significant part of a person’s identity. Asking for and using someone’s correct pronouns is one of the most direct ways to show respect. Normalising introductions with pronouns in meetings or sharing your pronouns via Zoom can help reduce the stigma around gender identity.
Avoid Ableist Language
Terms like “crazy” or “lame” may seem harmless, but they can perpetuate negative stereotypes about mental health or physical disabilities. Opt for language that doesn’t diminish the experiences of others, and, when necessary, use respectful language that centres on a person-first approach, such as “a person with a disability” rather than “disabled person.”
Embrace Cultural Sensitivity
Acknowledge that language is often tied to culture, and words acceptable in one context may be offensive in another. Avoid stereotypes and assumptions based on race, ethnicity, or nationality. Instead, focus on language that uplifts and respects cultural identities.
If you’re not sure how to refer to a person or how to talk about their needs or background, ask them. If you make a mistake, apologise, correct the mistake, and move on.
Inclusive communication goes beyond language itself; it extends to how we deliver messages. Pay attention to non-verbal cues, ensure accessibility in all forms of communication, and create spaces where people feel safe to express themselves fully. For example, providing captions in videos or using plain language in documents ensures that people with varying abilities can engage with content meaningfully.
It’s also essential to foster an environment where feedback is welcomed. Mistakes happen, but how we respond when we’re corrected matters. Listening, apologising, and committing to do better are important parts of growing and learning.
Adopting inclusive language is not simply about avoiding offence, it’s about creating lasting change in our communities. Impact matters. Let’s use our language to make a positive one.
