Halifax is standing by its decision to support its LGBTQ+ employees
(Picture: In Pictures via Getty Images)Halifax bank has defended its decision to allow colleagues to include their pronouns on their name badges.
The bank received a mixed response to a tweet announcing the optional, inclusive change to the badges, with many customers criticising the decision.
The bank is standing by its decision to support its LGBTQ+ employees, even telling customers they’re welcome to close their accounts.
So what did Halifax say on Twitter and what was the response?
What did Halifax say on Twitter?
Halifax shared an image on Twitter of a name badge with the pronouns she, her, hers, under the name Gemma, and captioned it “Pronouns matter. #ItsAPeopleThing.”
The tweet has amassed more than 10,000 likes and more than 9,000 replies.
Why has Halifax introduced pronouns on name tags?
In response to one critic who questioned the need for pronouns, Halifax said: “We want to create a safe and accepting environment that opens the conversation around gender identity.
“We care about our customers and colleagues’ individual preferences. For us, it’s a very simple solution to accidental misgendering.”
Halifax told another critic: “At Halifax, we strive for inclusion, equality and quite simply, in doing what’s right.
“Giving our colleagues the option to add their pronouns on their badge, helps to create an inclusive environment for our customers and colleagues.”
Do Halifax employees have to have pronouns on their badge?
Halifax said that “Adding pronouns is completely optional.
“We’re offering our colleagues the choice because we understand how important it is to create a safe and accepting environment that normalises the conversation around gender identity.”
Did Halifax tell customers they can close their accounts?
Halifax told customers on Twitter that if they disagreed with the pronouns badges, they could close their accounts.
The bank told one critic: “We strive for inclusion, equality and quite simply, in doing what’s right. If you disagree with our values, you’re welcome to close your account.”
When someone responded to the tweet about pronoun badges with “How do I close my account?” Halifax responded: “You can close your account by calling us on 0345 720 3040 or putting your request in writing to: Halifax Account Closure Team, PO Box 548, Leeds, LS1 1WU.”
Why is including pronouns on name badges important?
Including pronouns on name badges helps customers know which pronouns to use when referring to an employee.
Stonewall, the LGBTQ+ rights charity, said: “It’s great to see workplaces like Halifax Bank offering staff the option of including their pronouns on badges.
“Having pronouns on badges is a simple yet impactful way to make sure LGBTQ+ identities are respected – for employees and customers alike.”
