Tapping into the power of language to support inclusion

Many of us in talent mobility are looking for ways to make a difference when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). We have been considering how we might improve our participation in DE&I initiatives or even creating our own initiatives that help move our companies and the world into a (for lack of a better phrase) "new normal." 

Language is a powerful mechanism at work within our world, within our companies and within our global mobility programs. The language we use can be negative or it can be positive. It can make people feel de-valued or respected. It can be divisive or it can be uniting. So working to ensure that the language being used across your global mobility program is inclusive isn't some lame attempt at being PC. Instead, it makes sure that your mobility policies, program documents, intranet site and any communication associated with your program are intentionally respectful, accurate and relevant to everyone.

James Wright, who is "unapologetically obsessed with inclusion" (per his LinkedIn bio) and is the Global Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Google, recently shared the third edition of The Language of Inclusion, which is a document of key terms and standard definitions to help organizations find a common language to inclusion. In his own words, "It is important to update all terms to signal where we are in our inclusion journey to ensure diverse communities are truly seen, heard, and valued."

I think it could be a great resource to reference for all global mobility programs over the next year as policies get revised, developed, adjusted and enhanced, and now hopefully made to be that much more inclusive.

For additional perspectives on how global mobility can further support inclusion, try these recent posts:

• How can global mobility get started with supporting diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I)?
• What does "doing more" look like for global mobility?
• DE&I job openings increase amid racial justice movement
• A new LGBTQ workforce has arrived — is your mobility program keeping up?