Inclusive language and design workshop
If we are not actively including, then we are excluding
Why do we use phrases such as ‘the blind leading the blind’ in the workplace? What about ‘Chinese whispers?’ Is it okay to use the term ‘guys’? Why do some people use personal pronouns?
The words we use every day, the choices we make around design of our products and services, how we market and promote our organisation – all these things can impact inclusion.
Perspective Hive’s inclusive language and design workshops helps leaders facilitate psychological trust and belonging through their communication. It encourages team members to become upstanders for inclusion through the language they choose to use at work. Built on Perspective Hive’s principles for inclusive language, this session debunks myths and challenges us to become conscious of the unconscious bias in our thinking based on the language we use.
Our clients such as Chartered Accountants ANZ have brought us in to support them with developing their own inclusive language and communication guides.
What is covered
Our inclusive language and design workshop is tailored to your organisation and can be delivered either face-to-face and online. The session will cover:
- Unconscious bias and how it impacts our communication relationships; how to slow our thinking and be more inclusive by recognising and disrupting bias e.g. stereotypes about people.
- Becoming conscious of language that excludes, erodes trust or minimises belonging through examples of best (and worst) practice.
- Principles for inclusive language and how it enhances our ability to connect with others.
Why inclusive language and design matters
Inclusive language and design can help to create a more inclusive and innovative workplace through:
- Connection – psychological safety remains one of the top-searched leadership topics. Unpacking unconscious bias in our language helps leaders connect with their people in a way that is empathetic, current and creates belonging and trust.
- Authenticity – inclusive language is critical to ensure that communication is experienced as believable and relevant to audiences who have a wide range of needs and expectations. Slowing down our thinking helps ensure consistency of messages that are relatable and avoids stereotypes particularly relating to under-represented communities.
- Relevance – inclusive communication is becoming a required competency as expectations about language and how it is used change. What served us well previously is not always relevant in a society sensitive to stereotyping, bias and the negativity of ‘isms’ e.g. racism.
