16 October 2024

International Pronouns Day - Wednesday 16 October

A group of colourful badges on a denim jacket showing a variety of pronouns, including She/Her, They/Them, He/ Him and Ask me about my pronouns

Today (16 October) we celebrate International Pronouns Day, which seeks to make respecting, sharing and educating about personal pronouns commonplace.

Below you will find information on pronouns and why using pronouns in email signatures matters.

What is a pronoun?

Pronouns are words used to refer to or describe either individuals or groups of people, rather than using their name or names. E.g. he/him, she/her, they/them.

Why do pronouns matter in email signatures?

Including pronouns in email signatures helps create an inclusive workplace by showing respect for colleagues' identities and reducing the risk of misgendering. It demonstrates allyship, particularly for transgender, non-binary or gender non-conforming individuals, fostering a culture of acceptance.

Using pronouns sets a norm of open communication and can make employees feel more seen and valued. While sharing pronouns should never be mandatory, encouraging this practice supports a more inclusive and understanding environment for everyone.

Should I put pronouns in email signatures?

Find out more about what putting pronouns in email signatures means and why it matters here: www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk/blog/why-we-use-pronouns-in-signatures/