Inclusive Language at work
-Expand company or team acronyms in initial reference.
-Use plain language in your communication; skip the expressions or jargon.
-Refer to a theoretical person as ‘they’ instead of ‘he’ or ‘she’.
-When speaking to colleagues about family, use gender-neutral label for family members.
-When in doubt, ask individuals which pronouns they prefer (but make it clear they can choose not to identify, as well).
-Use gender-neutral language when referencing careers and professions in persona development.
For example, consider the following alternatives for these gendered titles:
Chairman – chair, chairperson, coordinator, head
Mailman – mail carrier, letter carrier, postal worker
Policeman – police officer
Congressman – legislator, congressperson, congressional representative
-Avoid using contradictory phrases like “awfully good.” especially for international audiences.
-Avoid using slang or cultural references that wouldn’t resonate with all team members. Or better – care to explain.
What would you add?
Liji Thomas 
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