Old terms offend some women at work. As gender-inclusive language is evolving in the workplace, many faux pas are creating conflict. Whether intentional or not, the older generations have used terms for years that can be offensive to younger employees or to women specifically. This short leadership tip has some links to other resources for those who want more, but in short, the way we communicate matters more than ever today in our gender-diverse culture.

Some people in the workplace are taking offence to gender-specific language because, over time, women have sought equity in roles and respect, and their position and status deserve a similar approach with the vocabulary used.

Take these phrases, for example:

• Hey guys… refers to the men
• The girls at the front…could indicate a lack of maturity (girls vs. women), and that a front desk role is reserved for females over males.
• Ladies…The meaning and history of the term “lady” is a quintessentially normative white woman who set the standards by which other women were judged.
• Sweetie and Dear because they undermine authority and impact the perceptions of women’s capability.

With a heightened focus on diversity and inclusion, the Canadian government and many organizations have created guidelines for gender-inclusive language. Consider replacing common terms like “Hey Guys” with “everyone, folks, or people” as a more inclusive alternative. Use men and women rather than ladies and gentlemen. Use proper titles like firefighter, flight attendant, server, chairperson, and mail carrier, as preferred gender-neutral terms, rather than their male-focused verbiage (fireman, airline stewardess, waitress, chairman, mailman).

Is The Language You’re Using Gendered?

To know if the language you are choosing is gendered, think about what you would say in both scenarios when speaking about or to a man or woman, giving an order, or making a request. If the language changes, it’s a clear sign that the language you are choosing is gendered.

You can read more at CBC Culture about this hot topic. The author is vying for a more gender-neutral approach, and the 700+ comments (from many men) are quite resistant. Right or wrong, good or bad, gender diversity is here to stay and the better we can all accommodate the needs of each other to ‘feel’ included and equal, the faster we will gain traction and profitability in our work.

With respect for how people prefer to be referred to, and patience while old traditions morph to suit the diverse workplace with a more sensitive vocabulary, the high cost of workplace conflict can be avoided, and profits used for better things.

Relationships and Conflict Management training is now available online. Contact us for your discount coupon.