Pronouns At Work

What are pronouns?

Pronouns are used to refer to someone or something that is being talked about, for example “she”, “them”, “this” and “it”.

We use gender pronouns (e.g. “she/her”, “he/him” and “they/them”) to refer to people without using their name. We may assume a person’s gender based on their name, appearance, voice, and/or expression, and “assign” a pronoun, however this may not always align with a person’s preferred pronouns.

Why are pronouns important?

Pronouns are important because they are a way to acknowledge and affirm someone's identity. Using someone's preferred pronouns helps create an inclusive environment. Misgendering someone or using pronouns that do not align with their preference can be hurtful and invalidating. For trans and non-binary people pronouns can be particularly important to affirm their gender identity.

What if I do not know which pronoun to use?

Take your lead from the person you are speaking with. If you are unsure, it’s fine to ask them what their preferred pronouns are, or how they would like to be addressed.

Those identifying as non-binary may choose to use ‘they’ rather than ‘he’ or ‘she’, or may use other pronouns entirely, such as ‘ze’ or ‘zir’. Someone may want multiple pronouns to be used for them; some people may wish pronouns to be avoided wherever possible, and for their name to be used instead. Pronouns do not always match what someone may assume is a person’s gender based on their gender expression.

“They” can be used to refer to an individual whose gender identity is not known. Other gender-neutral language such as “colleagues”, “students”, “team members”, “participants”, can also be used.

What can I do to help?

Many colleagues have added their pronouns to their email signatures. This is a simple and visible way to remind others of your preferred pronouns and show your support for our LGBTQ+ community. You may also want to consider sharing your pronouns when introducing yourself to colleagues.

Where can I find further guidance?

Further information on inclusive language, including an explanation of key terminology, can be found on our website.