Bias-free Communication
GOJO products reach around the globe – so it's critical that all our communications are inclusive and diverse.
| Use this | Not this |
|---|---|
| chair, moderator | chairman |
| humanity, people, humankind | man, mankind |
| sales representative | salesman |
| synthetic, manufactured | manmade |
| employees, team members | manpower |
Avoid masculine pronouns. Don't use he and his in references to a person whose gender is unknown. Instead, rewrite to use the second person (you) or the or a (for example, "the document"). Or refer to a person's role (reader, employee, or client, for example), or simply use person or individual.
Incorrect
When the scientist described her study.
A project manager needs access to folders on his SharePoint dashboard.
Correct
When the scientist described the study.
Project managers need access to folders on their SharePoint dashboards.
Especially if it could be considered profane or derogatory.
Incorrect
The new ES8 Dispensing System is epic.
This Australian flu is wild.
Correct
The new ES8 Dispensing System is a revolutionary dispenser design.
The Australian flu is widespread and growing.
In fictitious scenarios, use a variety of names, both male and female, that reflect various cultural backgrounds.
Be conscious of stereotypes in job roles. For example, in fictitious scenarios, use male and female names from a variety of cultures for leadership and technical roles.
Be inclusive of job roles, family structure, leisure activities, and purchasing power. If you show various family groupings, consider showing nontraditional and extended families.
Don't make generalizations about people, countries, regions, and cultures – not even positive or neutral generalizations.
Examples of what not to do
Many people from Country Z tend to keep their feelings to themselves.
The baby boomer workforce hates the open work environment.
Poor communities do not practice hand hygiene.