A recent study has found that gender-biased language and stereotypes are rampant in the workplace, as close to 46% use gender-biased terms like ‘guys’.
The latest research from Samsung UK and Ireland found that women were more likely to be asked to prepare tea or about their kids. The study also found that the average worker uses gender-biased language more than four times in a working week (80%). However, 9 in 10 (92%), make a conscious effort to adopt inclusive terms like ‘team’ and ‘all’.
The study said that over 1/3rd, or 31% felt uncomfortable when colleagues, customers, or clients used biased language. The organization said it was committed to serving as an example to follow on inclusion and progress.
The press report quoted Tanya Weller, Marketing Director, Home Appliances at Samsung Electronics (UK & Ireland) Ltd. & Founder of Employee Resource Group, Women@Samsung, as saying, that the research revealed the barriers to inclusion in the workplace. “Like all things, language adapts with time, and we know that as a society, we must evolve with it, by implementing a roadmap that drives greater equality and inclusion. These findings tell us the crucial role language plays in normalizing gender stereotypes at work: subtle phrases like “Hi Guys”, are something many of us say without thinking, but maybe without realizing it, we’re alienating people. This acts as a great reminder to be thoughtful in the way we express ourselves as individuals and as businesses. For instance, we work closely with Textio to ensure that we set things off as we mean to go on and apply gender-inclusive language in all of our job adverts at Samsung UK & Ireland,” the press report added.
