Everyone creates content, often without realising it. Emails, messages, conversations are written every day. Phrases and words are used that may be exclusionary to some of the recipients, without one realising. Increasing understanding and knowledge in the subject leads to the systematic use of more inclusive language and makes the workplace more inclusive.
Address
Not only people working in communication departments are communicators. Anyone who sends an email to many recipients is communicating with them. How the email begins is important to the perception of its content. Words that evoke negative associations such as “gang” should be avoided. A better and more inclusive way that one can address recipients is to greet “everyone”, the entire “group” or “team”.
Acronyms
Every company has its acronyms that are used as daily routine. While they are recognizable to most, it is possible that not every one of the addressees recognizes it. This happens when there is a new employee in the team, but also because of the frequent use of acronyms, sometimes one can get confused or forgets, respectively does not understand what is meant. Using the full name at least once, then the abbreviated version, is a good and inclusive practice. Clear, direct communication that avoids complicated jargon is crucial to ensure that everyone understands the content.
Visual communication
Providing content in different forms can significantly improve accessibility. Infographics and diagrams are examples of visual presentations that can help deliver complex information in a more easily understandable style.
Visually inclusive language enables people who are colour blind to distinguish between groups of information by the arrangement and symbols rather than by the colours used in the visualisation.
Communication shapes perceptions of the roles that women and men have in society and in the labour market. The use of inclusive and accessible language demonstrates respect for people and promotes equality in communication. Visuals should not reinforce stereotypes. They should be chosen carefully because visuals should reflect reality.
Without prejudice
There are many unconscious biases that influence the workplace – there are more than 150 identified biases. The way a person has grown up, his/her environment and the media shape different views that influence the way a person communicates and the decisions he/she makes.
Dealing with biases begins with awareness of these biases both internally, such as by recognizing biases in oneself, and externally, such as organizational practices and individual actions.
