Gender-Neutral Language in the Workplace

This week many articles encouraged gender-neutral language in the workplace. The Royal Air Force are required to use gender-neutral titles to refer to their colleagues if requested. An example of these gender-neutral titles is “Leading Aircraft-Per” instead of “Leading Aircraftman”. The RAF Gender Network order states, “Total inclusivity is not negotiable. It is critical to team cohesion and operational success. All personnel are encouraged to ensure they address individuals in line with their chosen pronouns. The open and transparent sharing of chosen pronouns is encouraged for all workforce colleagues.” 

Another article discussed tips for healthcare workers on how to make transgender pregnant people more comfortable in their clinics and hospitals. The advice included using gender-neutral language to refer to anatomy, such as uterus and cervix instead of female reproductive system, and providing gender-neutral toilets. One article about how to make LGBTQ+ feel welcomed and included in the workplace mentioned using gender-neutral language to refer to people when you don’t know their pronouns. Another article highlighted the important strides towards gender neutrality, featuring topics from gender-neutral language used in workplaces to gender-neutral pronouns.