Inclusive communication
Inclusive communication generally takes place in one of three ways.
- By using inclusive language, e.g. addressing employees correctly, using non-stigmatising language,...
- By displaying diversity in visual materials, e.g. using women, people of color, disabled people,...
- By not being discriminatory with regard to how the information is accessed, e.g. informing both younger and older employees of training options, making information available for the visually impaired,...
Case: good practice
In order to strenghten inclusive language use, Ghent University has developed a gender test. With this tool, they screen texts and images for diversity and gender aspects. They also provide a point to contact which can be reached should any unnecessary gender-related references be noticed in the communication by the university.
Exercise: inclusive language use in the workplace
Sam has been working as a garden contractor for 15 years. He came out as a trans man a few months ago. When Sam encounters a customer he worked with last year, he explains his transition. The customer responds very positively. Shortly afterwards Sam hears the customer talk to his colleagues about him. The customers says: “I think it’s great that she made that choice. It will definitelt have been an intense process for her.”