Sexism is a pervasive problem in many workplaces, with women and other marginalised groups often experiencing discrimination and exclusion due to the language and behavior of their colleagues. If you're reading this article, you're likely looking for ways to address sexist language and behavior in your workplace and create a more inclusive and equitable environment.
In this guide, we'll provide you with a comprehensive overview of the issue of sexist language at work, including how it manifests, why it's harmful, and what you can do to address it.
The Definition and Impact of Sexist Language
Sexist language is any language that reinforces gender stereotypes or implies that one gender is superior or inferior to another. It can take many forms, from jokes and comments to microaggressions and outright discrimination. The problem with sexist language is that it perpetuates gender inequality, and that has a real impact on women's lives.
For example, when women are consistently referred to as "girls" or "ladies," it diminishes their professional status and implies that they are not equal to men. Similarly, when women are interrupted or talked over in meetings, it sends a message that their opinions and ideas are less valuable than those of their male colleagues. And when women are subjected to sexual comments or harassment, it creates a hostile work environment that can make them feel unsafe and unwelcome.
How to Address Sexist Language in Meetings - A Step-by-Step Guide
Meetings are a common place for sexist language to occur, with women often being interrupted, talked over, and dismissed. Here are some actionable steps you can take to address this issue:
Establish ground rules: Start your meeting by setting ground rules that encourage respect and inclusivity, such as no interrupting, active listening, and acknowledging others' contributions.
Call out sexist behaviour: If you witness someone engaging in sexist language or behavior, call it out in the moment. Use non-confrontational language, such as "I don't think that's a fair characterisation" or "I'd like to hear what Sarah has to say."
Amplify women's voices: If you notice that a woman is being interrupted or talked over, use your privilege to amplify her voice. Repeat what she said, give her credit for her ideas, and make sure she has the opportunity to speak uninterrupted.
Encourage feedback: After the meeting, ask for feedback from all attendees about how it went and if there were any instances of sexist language or behavior that need to be addressed.
How to Address Sexist Language in Emails - A Practical Guide for Inclusive Communication
Email is another common place for sexist language to occur, with men often being addressed by their first names while women are addressed by their full names or titles. Here are some actionable steps you can take to address this issue:
Use inclusive language: Use gender-neutral language whenever possible, such as "they" instead of "he" or "she."
Be mindful of your salutations: When addressing someone in an email, use the same salutation for men and women. For example, instead of using "Hi John" and "Dear Ms. Smith," use "Hi John" and "Hi Sarah."
Avoid gender stereotypes: Avoid using language that reinforces gender stereotypes, such as "bossy" for women or "aggressive" for men.
Review your emails: Before sending an email, review it to ensure that it's inclusive and free from sexist language or behavior.
How to Address Sexist Language in the Workplace - A Guide to Creating an Inclusive Culture
Addressing sexist language and behavior in the workplace requires a culture shift, with everyone in the organization taking responsibility for creating an inclusive and equitable environment. Here are some actionable steps you can take to address this issue:
Educate yourself: Educate yourself about the issue of sexist language and behavior in the workplace and its impact on marginalised groups.
Lead by example: Lead by example by modeling inclusive language and behavior, and calling out sexism when you see it.
Establish policies: Establish policies that promote respect and inclusivity.
The Role of Allies in Overcoming Sexist Language at Work
Allies are people who are not directly affected by a particular form of discrimination but are willing to support and advocate for those who are. Allies can play a crucial role in overcoming sexist language at work by speaking up when they witness it, using their privilege to amplify marginalized voices, and actively working to create a more inclusive workplace culture.
How to Address Systemic Sexism in the Workplace
Systemic sexism refers to the ways in which gender inequality is built into the structures and practices of an organization or industry. To address systemic sexism, we need to be willing to examine our own biases and assumptions, advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality, and hold ourselves and our organizations accountable for creating a more equitable workplace.
The reality of sexism in the workplace is a subject that affects both women and men. It is a complex issue that takes many forms, including verbal and non-verbal language, actions, and attitudes. Sexism in the workplace can cause a variety of problems, such as decreased productivity, low morale, and high employee turnover. In this article, we will explore the topic of sexist language in the workplace, and discuss the impact it has on employees.
Subtle, yet harmful, sexist language in the workplace is a significant problem that is often overlooked. Using phrases such as "you guys" or "he" when referring to a group of people that includes women can cause women to feel invisible and excluded. Using gendered language can also contribute to the perpetuation of gender stereotypes and create a hostile work environment.
Let's delve deeper into some of the ways sexist language can manifest in the workplace.
Gendered Pronouns and Phrases
Gendered language is often deeply ingrained in our daily vocabulary, and it can be challenging to recognise when we are using it. Gendered pronouns, such as "he," "she," "him," and "her," can inadvertently exclude non-binary individuals and create a hostile work environment. Using phrases like "man up" or "throw like a girl" can perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes and make people feel undervalued and less capable.
Microaggressions
Microaggressions are often subtle and unintentional, but their impact can be significant. They are everyday verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities that communicate negative messages to marginalized groups. Some examples of microaggressions include interrupting someone while they are speaking, not giving someone credit for their ideas, or assuming someone's job based on their gender. These microaggressions can be incredibly harmful to employees and can contribute to a toxic work environment.
Harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a form of sexist language that can have devastating consequences for employees. It includes unwanted sexual advances, comments, and gestures that create a hostile work environment. Sexual harassment can leave victims feeling uncomfortable, unsafe, and humiliated. It can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Sexist language in the workplace is a pervasive problem that can have significant consequences for employees. It can contribute to the perpetuation of gender stereotypes, create a hostile work environment, and lead to decreased productivity and high employee turnover. It is essential for employers to recognize the impact of sexist language and work to eliminate it from the workplace.
If you are an employer or employee experiencing sexist language in the workplace, speak up and take action. It is everyone's responsibility to create a safe and inclusive work environment.
Resources:
- The National Women's Law Center - https://nwlc.org/
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - https://www.eeoc.gov/
- Catalyst - https://www.catalyst.org/