Inclusive Language at Work: What to Use and What to Avoid

Author: XpertHR Editorial Team

Using inclusive language at work plays a powerful role in diminishing stereotypes and making employees feel comfortable.

People may inherently connect certain words with a particular gender or group even though they may not be offensive. For instance, some terms listed below such as ninja and rockstar, are not viewed as derogatory in any way. However, women generally have been found to be less likely to apply for a position when a job advertisement includes those words because they view them as male-oriented.

The following chart may encourage employers and employees alike to use inclusive language so that all feel that they are welcome, seen, heard and respected, regardless of their backgrounds.