United Airlines invited its employees to include gender pronouns in their email signatures. It claims this is to create a more inclusive environment.United Airlines encourages employees to use gender pronounsUnited has written a memo to its employees, which was reviewed by Live and Lets Fly. It outlines its priority to allow employees to be authentic in order to create a positive work environment.United recognizes that in order to be the most inclusive airline possible, we have to be open to learning new things and creating a culture that allows employees to be themselves. We are encouraging employees to include gender pronouns in their email signatures. This will allow employees of all gender identities to be seen, referred to, and acknowledged in a way that is affirming, respectful, and courteous.United goes beyond the effects of this change to explain why it considers this policy change necessary.In everyday conversation, pronouns can be used to refer to the person talking (like you or I) or to someone or something being discussed (like she, it or them, and so on). Gender pronouns are used to refer to one another's gender identity. They usually interpret or read a person's gender based upon their appearance and expression and then assign a pronoun. This can be dangerous as it may not reflect the individual's internal experience of gender. Non-binary people may identify as having multiple genders or having one or more of the following:United also offersWhen introducing yourself, share your pronouns. Example: Jane is my name and my pronouns would be they/them/theirs.Addressing groups of people, or people whose pronouns are not known to you, you should use gender neutral language like everyone, all or folks, rather than ladies and gentlemen or guys.Jessica Kimbrough, United's Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, said:Our dedication to our customers, employees, and communities is the foundation of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will continue to foster an inclusive workplace that allows employees to feel comfortable being themselves and to identify in the most authentic way.CONCLUSIONUnited Airlines encourages employees to use gendered words in emails. This is part of United Airlines' effort to be affirming and respectful to all employees.Image: United Airlines
