Pride Month is an important time to reflect on the strides that have been made toward equality and the work still needed to support the LGBTQIA community. Beyond parades and celebrations, it is important to consider the integral changes within the professional environments that honor and respect diversity year-round.

Affixed to the bottom of every work email I send are three words: they/them/theirs. Sometimes they may stick out like a sore thumb, but other times I think of them as a sort of silent manifesto — a declaration of my openness to our diverse, ever-evolving society.

As an openly queer person, I have always been burdened with societal gender norms that are often rooted in problematic traditions. Utilizing they/them pronouns is a simple way for me to say, “I am just me.” But I know for some, understanding change can be hard.

Incorporating pronouns in email signatures is a step toward normalizing conversations about gender and identity. It encourages others to reflect on their own assumptions and biases to promote a more respectful and open-minded workplace culture. For many, this can be a powerful moment of education and growth. It challenges the status quo and encourages continuous learning and empathy.

EMBRACING IDENTITY TO #BEMORE

In the professional realm, especially in industries such as financial services where tradition often reigns supreme, the inclusion of diverse pronouns can feel revolutionary: an industry built on rules and regulations dealing with a gender inclusivity movement that falls squarely outside the binary. But this integration of inclusive practices within this field is not only beneficial but necessary.

As an employee, I want my workplace to start from a place of respect for each individual’s identity. The acknowledgment of pronouns in professional settings, email signatures, business cards, etc. sends the message that the organization values me for who I am beyond my work product. A 2023 survey conducted by American Psychological Association found that client service workers were more likely to experience loneliness. Any actions we can take to foster a sense of belonging will boost morale and likely, productivity as well.

Client service providers aim to return the most value to their clients. Signaling a commitment to inclusivity can foster stronger connections with current and future clients. Many business leaders are looking for diverse teams to solve their diverse problems, and inclusivity could be considered a strategic advantage in the current social climate.

FOSTERING AN AUTHENTIC WORKPLACE

Reaping the benefits of inclusivity requires work beyond adding pronouns to email signatures. (Although I highly encourage everyone to do so, especially those in positions of leadership.) It requires continuous education and awareness. The priority must be set and modeled from the top through investments in regular training, open dialogues and respect for diverse identities.

Inclusivity, after all, is about creating an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. The truth is everyone come into spaces with their own identities — these identities make us who we are. To foster a community in which people can be open and transparent is a wonderful thing. Embracing and promoting inclusivity can build a brighter, more equitable future for all.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR WORKPLACE MORE INCLUSIVE

• Normalize Pronoun Use: Start incorporating pronouns in email signatures, business cards and other professional communications. This small step can signal a broader commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse identities.
• Continuous Education: Engage in regular training sessions and open dialogues about gender identity and inclusivity. This should be a continuous effort led by top management to ensure that inclusivity becomes an integral part of your workplace culture.
• Model Inclusivity from the Top: Leaders should set the tone by openly embracing and promoting inclusive practices. When employees see their leaders committed to these values, it fosters a sense of belonging and encourages everyone to be their authentic selves.
• Create a Respectful Environment: Focus on building a workplace where everyone feels respected and valued for who they are, beyond their work contributions. This can boost morale, reduce feelings of loneliness and enhance overall productivity.
• Strategic Inclusivity: Recognize that inclusivity is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. Diverse teams bring diverse perspectives, which can lead to innovative solutions and stronger connections with clients.

By embracing these actions, you can create a more inclusive, respectful and productive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. It is important to commit to fostering an environment of authenticity and equity, not just during Pride Month but every day of the year.