August 12, 2021
Why is it important to use pronouns in the workplace?
The use of pronouns in the workplace can help create a more inclusive culture. Encouraging employees to use their pronouns makes it clear how individuals would like to be referred to and also shows people that you respect their gender identity.
What are the most commonly used personal pronouns?
The most commonly used pronouns are “he, him, his” and “she, her, hers.” Some individuals use gender-neutral pronouns, such as “they, them, theirs.” Though these may be most common, pronouns are personal and are a reflection of the individuals’ identities. There are dozens of pronouns, but others include ze, which can also be spelled xe or zie. This replaces she/he/they. Then there’s hir, pronounced like “here,” which replaces her/hers/him/his/they/theirs.
How do you address gender pronouns in the workplace?
There are several things you can do to help address and normalize the use of pronouns. For starters, you can encourage employees to add them to the following:
- Social media profiles: Most social media platforms now allow people to add their pronouns to their bios. Earlier this year, LinkedIn launched a new feature for users to display their pronouns right next to their names. Instagram provided this option in May, while reports suggest Twitter is going to be following suit (with no timeline for the update announced as of this publishing). Remind employees this option is available and show them how to add them.
- Corporate bios and resumes: Adding pronouns to corporate bios and resumes showcase your organization’s culture is one that prioritizes employees’ well-being and encourages inclusion. This avoids any confusion and lessens the likelihood of someone being misgendered.
- Human capital management software (HCMS): Most HCMS allow users to add their pronouns. Adopting it as part of practice in your organization shows this respect is embedded in your culture.
- Profiles on video call technology used in the workplace: If you regularly communicate via video calls (e.g., Teams, RingCentral, Zoom) or instant chat, you can add your pronouns to your profiles, so they appear next to your name. This allows for others on the call with you to see your pronouns automatically, without having to ask.
- Introductions: When making an introduction for the first time, you can include your preferred pronouns. For example: “My name is Marisol Hughes, and my preferred pronouns are she/her.” It’s also preferred you ask others what their pronouns are during introductions rather than assume.
What happens if I make a pronoun mistake?
If you realize during an introduction or when the conversation has ended that you used the wrong pronouns, apologize, use the correct pronoun and move on. The importance is around consciously doing the work to correct yourself and not lingering on the mistake. If you're having trouble remembering, think of 3-5 sentences of that person in your head using their pronouns — as this helps form the habit for the future. The best apology, after all, is changed behavior.
Using pronouns as a cisgender person
Being cisgender means your gender expression and identity match what you were assigned at birth. Many refer to assigned male at birth (AMAB) or assigned female at birth (AFAB) instead of "born female." So if you're AFAB and identify as a woman, you're a cisgender woman.
Publicly declaring pronouns is one way to be an LGBTQIA+ ally. Many non-binary and transgender people add their pronouns to their social media platforms and bios to avoid being misgendered, but this can sometimes lead to targeted abuse. If cisgender people use their pronouns, it will become common practice and will help to normalize the process of asking people what their pronouns are instead of just guessing.
These steps to implementing pronouns in your organization can go a long way in making your workplace more inclusive.
