An ally is someone who is not a member of an underrepresented group but who takes action to support that group to help make their workplace more diverse and inclusive for all.
For workplaces to become truly inclusive it is up to people who hold positions of privilege to be active allies and to take responsibility for making changes that will help others be successful.
Allies at all levels can take action with simple, everyday efforts that make a real difference and in this series, we highlight some things that you can do to be an ally and to support your colleagues from underrepresented groups.
#53: Update your Policies, Procedures, Documents and Communications to gender neutral language
It is important to use gender-neutral language in all workplace policies, procedures, and documents to ensure that they are inclusive and respectful of all individuals. Here are some steps you can take to update your policies to use gender-neutral language:
- Identify language that may be gendered: Look through your policies and identify any language that may be gendered, such as using pronouns like “he” or “she” or using titles like “Mr.” or “Mrs.”
- Use gender-neutral pronouns: Instead of using gendered pronouns like “he” or “she,” use gender-neutral pronouns like “they” or “them.” You can also use plural pronouns like “we” and “us” to refer to individuals.
- Use gender-neutral titles: Instead of using gendered titles like “Mr.” or “Mrs.,” use neutral titles like “Mx.” or “Ms.”
- Avoid gendered terms: Avoid using gendered terms like “manpower” or “man-hours” and instead use neutral terms like “staff” or “hours worked.”
- Use inclusive language: Make sure to use inclusive language throughout your policies, such as using the term “partner” instead of “husband” or “wife” to refer to someone’s significant other.
- Include gender-neutral options: In forms and surveys include gender-neutral options such as “other” or “prefer not to say” in addition to “male” and “female.”
By following these steps, you can ensure that your policies are inclusive and respectful of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. You should regularly review and update policies, procedures, and practices to ensure that they are inclusive and non-discriminatory.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
