Why Embracing the Evolution of Language is Important in Business and the Workplace

Language is a constantly evolving tool, and in today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s essential that we keep up with the latest changes. From new terminology to changes in the way we communicate, embracing the evolution of language is key to success in the modern workplace.

Here are just a few reasons why it’s so important to keep up with the evolution of language in business:

1. Avoid Miscommunication and Offense

Language is a powerful tool, and it can be easy to unintentionally cause offense or miscommunicate if we’re not up-to-date with the latest terminology and communication practices. By staying informed and educated, we can avoid misunderstandings and ensure that our communication is always clear and respectful.

2. Build Stronger Relationships

Effective communication is at the heart of any successful business or workplace. By embracing the evolution of language, we can build stronger relationships with our colleagues, clients, and customers. We can create a workplace culture that is inclusive, supportive, and welcoming to all.

3. Stay Competitive

In today’s global business landscape, it’s more important than ever to stay competitive. By embracing the evolution of language, we can demonstrate to our clients and customers that we are up-to-date with the latest trends and practices. We can show that we are innovative, forward-thinking, and committed to excellence in all areas.

4. Foster Creativity and Innovation

Language is not just a tool for communication – it’s also a tool for creativity and innovation. By embracing the evolution of language, we can open ourselves up to new ways of thinking and new ideas. We can challenge ourselves to be more creative and innovative in our work, and we can inspire others to do the same.

What Causes Language to Evolve?

Language is fluid and constantly changing, reflecting our changing lives and experiences overtime words drop for our vocabulary were not all still speaking Shakespearean English for example. As cultures interact and mix, we borrow words from them; technology and new inventions need new words to describe the latest innovation; and old words take on new meanings as society changes. The speed at which this happens can be very daunting, especially when thinking about addressing others without offending them. We need to keep up with this change so that we are not left behind in the dark ages, in danger of insulting others or excluding others, whether intentionally or not.

What should we consider in the workplace?

Embracing the evolution of language is essential for success in today’s fast-paced business environment. By staying informed and educated, we can communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, stay competitive, and foster creativity and innovation. So why should you enrol in our Evolution of Workplace Language course ? Here are 5 reasons:

Terminology – We need to be aware of how many terms that have been used in the past to describe ethnicity, disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community have changed. To ensure that we do not cause unintended hurt we should keep up to date with more appropriate words and phrases.

Banter – Whilst humour can improve morale and create a sense of belonging in the workplace, we need to be mindful of when is it appropriate and when it has gone too far.

Stereotyping – Everyone makes assumptions and falls prey to stereotyping, if we can be conscious of our own biases we can begin to overcome them.

Communication – The rapidly changing online environment has vastly altered our language and we need to consider how we interact whilst at work over instant messaging, social media and email, carefully reflecting on what is appropriate to message and share on these platforms.

Inclusivity– To avoid the possibility of offending with our language we need to use inclusive language in all workplace communication. Inclusive language should be accessible to all and use words and phrases that do not alienate or favour any groups in particular.

5 tips from our trainer to ensure your workplace is as inclusive as possible…

Understand other’s differences – Remember everyone has different experiences, backgrounds and points of view.

Be aware of your own bias – knowing it is there starts the fight against it, you can then adjust your thinking, analyse and evaluate your decisions

Pause – think before you speak, will what you say offend? Is there a better way of phrasing it? How would it make you feel?

Be prepared to apologise – when you make a slip-up, apologise, learn from it and move on.

Continue to learn – language is fluid, and constantly changing so learn the inclusive language principles rather than specific appropriate phrases, and be open to further changes in the future.

– Hannah Colwyn – Thomas 

Evolution of Language Trainer

Examples of companies or organisations already embracing inclusion and diversity in a big way –

To find out more about how Kiwi Education can help develop your staffs workplace language enrol in on our corporate training course here!

Booking is available now!

For more information get in touch today, we would love to hear from you!

Call us on – Tel: 02380 170380.

Or email us at – hello@kiwieducation.co.uk