New TTC Signatory Samsung recently shared powerful new research that has found gender-biased language and the use of stereotypes is widespread within UK workplaces, with women asked to make tea or coffee almost three times more than men. Women are also more than twice as likely to be asked about their children, and twice as likely to be asked to do menial or admin-based tasks.
Samsung has recently become a signatory of the Tech Talent Charter (TTC) and is committed to addressing inequality and driving inclusivity in the UK technology sector. Tanya Weller, Marketing Director, Home Appliances at Samsung Electronics (UK & Ireland) Ltd. & Founder of Employee Resource Group, Women@Samsung, said about becoming a Signatory: “It’s important steps like these where we need to come together as an industry and lead by example on a journey of progress and inclusivity.”
While there is more work to do, the research suggests that UK employees are starting to challenge this gender-biased vocabulary, with 92% of respondents making a conscious effort to use inclusive language at work with terms such as ‘team’ and ‘all’.
Addressing the issues
Samsung also asked respondents their feelings on how to introduce positive change towards gender-neutral language and behaviour. Respondents said that workplaces should:
- Offer training on how to be sensitive to and inclusive of all genders (47%)
- Implement training to address what gendered language is and how to change language use (30%)
- Review language in job descriptions (28%)
- Review external messaging language e.g. company website, careers page etc. (27%)
- Use positive messaging/signage in the office (24%)
Learn more and access Samsung’s research and recommendations.
Accessing TTC resources
The TTC hosts an Open Playbook, which is an open-source catalogue of actionable strategies, resources, and case studies to support organisations of any size to drive diversity and inclusion in their teams. Specifically, there are helpful resources related to gender (and other) bias in our chapters on creating and fostering an inclusive culture and hiring diverse talent.