Companies are working harder at creating more inclusive environments. This puts more importance on the language used for recognizing employees. Traditionally, award wording lacked cultural sensitivity and sometimes focused on gendered language that might alienate some recipients or diminish the value of recognition. Using gender-neutral, inclusive award wording makes sure everyone feels seen and valued.

Let’s explore ways to create award wording that reflects the diversity of your workforce and includes everyone, while maintaining professionalism and prestige. Custom awards, trophies, and crystal awards can help promote inclusivity and positively impact the culture of your company as well as its reputation and employee retention.

Why Inclusive Award Wording is Important

Employee recognition is important to your company. The words chosen for those awards are as important as the award itself. Inclusive award wording makes sure that no one feels left out, overlooked, or marginalized because of their race, background, ethnicity, or gender. It reflects an organization’s commitment to diversity and shows respect to all employees.

Research done by McKinsey & Company revealed that companies focusing on inclusivity tend to be above average when it comes to profitability. Using inclusive wording for awards is a simple but impactful way to build a supportive culture and a welcoming work environment.

How to Avoid Gendered Language in Award Wording

What is gendered language?

Gendered language means using terms that are specific to male or female, for example: he, she, chairman, fireman. Using gendered language on custom awards can inadvertently exclude some recipients. Gendered terms have been the norm, but it is important to realize that some employees prefer gender-neutral language that doesn’t tie identity to the male or female binary.

How do you write gender-neutral award wording?

Avoid using gendered language on custom awards; use neutral terms that can apply to anyone. Here are some examples of how to use gender-neutral terms instead of gendered terms.

• Best Salesman becomes Top Sales Performer
• Chairman Award becomes Leadership Award or Chairperson Award
• His or Hers becomes Their

Making these small tweaks to award wording ensures recipients all feel included, no matter what their gender identity. When including engraving on custom crystal awards or trophies, make sure to use gender-neutral inscriptions that focus more on the achievements than gender-specific titles.

How to Incorporate Inclusivity Beyond Gender?

Why should award wording be culturally inclusive?

Being inclusive isn’t just about gender. It involves respecting and recognizing everyone, regardless of their cultural or racial background. As the workforce has become more global than ever, diverse teams are the norm. It’s more important than ever to write award inscriptions that avoid stereotypes or culturally insensitive wording.

How can you use inclusive language in awards?

Inclusive language on awards should be free from assumptions about the background of the employee. Avoid using terms associated with a specific ethnicity or culture, unless it is directly related to the purpose of the award. Focus on individual achievements like:

• Leadership: In recognition of your outstanding leadership and vision.
• Teamwork: For exceptional collaboration and dedication to team success.

At Suburban Custom Awards, we offer custom options to ensure every award reflects the values and respect for diversity of your company. Our custom awards and trophies can be customized using inclusive wording and your brand symbols to ensure your recognition efforts resonate with your employees.

Can Inclusive Awards Boost Employee Engagement?

How can inclusive language impact employee retention?

If you want to foster a sense of belonging, make sure employees feel recognized and respected. Inclusive awards send a loud-and-clear message that your organization values each individual, no matter what their gender, background, or race. Employees who feel their organization values them and their work are more likely to stay in their jobs. They are also more likely to perform better.

Can inclusive award wording save you money?

The focus should always be on the psychological and emotional impact of recognition. But inclusive awards can have a positive impact on your award costs. When you choose gender-neutral and culturally appropriate wording, you can reuse award titles across numerous categories without needing to create separate gender-specific award options. This can save you money and time and help you maintain a high level of professionalism.

Examples of Inclusive Award Wording

Here are a few examples of inclusive award wording that avoid gendered language and help promote diversity.

• For Exemplary Dedication in Patient Care – used for healthcare professionals and team members.
• In Recognition for Outstanding Contributions to Team Success – Perfect for team-oriented achievements, no matter what department.
• For Leadership and Commitment to Innovation – Great for recognizing leadership without traditional titles like chairman or chairwoman.

These examples can be beautifully engraved on any of our crystal awards, plaques, or trophies.

Let’s Take Your Recognition Efforts to the Next Level

Contact Suburban Custom Awards to explore our extensive collection of high-quality custom awards. We can work with you to celebrate your diverse team’s achievements!