Tips for Adopting Inclusive Language

(From Harvard Business Review) Research shows that use of inclusive language plays an important role in promoting higher employee engagement, superior customer service and increased productivity. To create a truly inclusive culture, experts at Harvard Business Review recommend organizations take the following actions:

• Review job postings to ensure language neutrality. 
• Create a list of words that are forbidden; for instance, terms like “the elderly,” “manhours,” or “crazy,” can reinforce unhelpful stereotypes.
• Create a guide to inclusive language, and pair it with with straightforward tools, such as the “inclusive language” feature available in Microsoft Office, which suggests neutral alternatives to biased language.

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