Using Gender Pronouns in the Workplace: A Key to Inclusivity

Over coffee, three coworkers in an inclusive workplace discuss their team when Jamie, a new employee who uses gender-neutral pronouns in their email signature and LinkedIn profile, becomes the topic of conversation. One coworker mentions, “She’s awesome,” which causes a moment of confusion for another coworker who had assumed Jamie was a cisgender male. This highlights the critical importance of correctly using gender pronouns in the workplace.

Inclusivity, especially regarding gender identity and expression, is essential in fostering a respectful and welcoming work environment. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives strongly encourage using correct pronouns to avoid misgendering, demonstrating respect for transgender, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals. As more people adopt gender-inclusive language, understanding and respecting personal pronouns—whether they be she/her/hers, they/them/theirs, or other gender-inclusive pronouns—has become increasingly important.

This respect for gender pronouns is crucial not only in face-to-face interactions but also on digital platforms like Zoom and Slack, where team members may display their preferred pronouns. In today’s era of social media and digital communication, using proper pronouns is a key aspect of allyship. It helps ensure that everyone, from transgender to gender-fluid and non-binary people, feels acknowledged and respected in the workplace.

When Jamie walks past the group, one coworker, recognizing the importance of setting an inclusive tone, introduces herself using her own pronouns. By doing so, she emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting gender pronouns, creating space for others to share theirs. This act of using her own pronouns and offering Jamie the opportunity to share theirs subtly corrects the earlier mistake and provides a gentle lesson in practicing allyship. It underscores the significance of respecting gender expression and identity, contributing to a more inclusive workplace.