ISOIL Industria believes that language is not only a means of communication, but also a vehicle for cultural change. For this reason, in all our communications, both written and verbal, both internal and external to the company, we are committed to adopting terms that do not discriminate and that embrace diversity.
The value of inclusive language in the workplace
Words have a weight and a profound impact, just as our actions and behaviors can include and enhance, or hurt and discriminate. Respect for people therefore also comes from the way we use words and adopting an inclusive language means recognizing and enhancing the diversity of each individual. Becoming aware of our daily communication style and the linguistic prejudices that we often adopt without realizing it is an exercise in empathy that promotes inclusion.
At ISOIL Industria we actively promote the overcoming of sexist and discriminatory expressions, avoiding gender stereotypes in all our internal and external communications, both written and verbal. We believe that adopting a language that respects differences contributes to a healthier and more collaborative work environment, where people feel free to express themselves in a context of safety and psychological tranquillity.
How to promote inclusion through language? Here are some examples
To promote diversity and inclusion in the company, it is essential to put people first and address our interlocutor by placing the individual above his or her characteristics (disability, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and so on). Starting from the selection processes, it is necessary to ensure that job advertisements use language free of unnecessary references to gender or other personal characteristics.
Even in daily communication, it is good to prefer neutral terms, avoiding idioms and stereotypes that could exclude or offend. When talking about disabilities, it is important to avoid phrases that suggest victimhood and that imply that there is a “normality” to oppose and if you are not sure which term to use in certain contexts, it is best to ask the person concerned directly and not rely on presuppositions. It is important to be careful to respect mental disabilities by not improperly using terms that have specific meanings in the context of mental health.
It should also be considered that language is dynamic and constantly evolving, enriching itself with new terms and concepts: words and expressions that we have been using for a long time can take on negative connotations over time. What matters most is to face the change in our communication with commitment and an open mind, being a process that brings value for ourselves and for others.
Towards a culture that respects differences: positive signs
Inclusive language makes people better, and consequently, makes companies better. This awareness has spread in recent years: more and more companies have adopted Diversity & Inclusion policies and also several institutions, such as the Revenue Agency and the Miur, have already introduced guidelines for the use of inclusive language.
If you want to learn more about the practices adopted by ISOIL Industria to build a culture of diversity and inclusion, we invite you to consult our “Diversity and Gender Equality Policy”.