Antoine Andrews, the Chief Diversity & Social Impact Officer at SurveyMonkey, emphasizes the importance of understanding and using the right language when it comes to gender identity in the workplace. The dialogue around diversity and gender is constantly evolving, and leaders need to be in tune with how employees talk and feel about gender identity to ask the right questions and gather authentic feedback.
SurveyMonkey's State of Surveys report highlights the growing trend of gender-inclusive surveys worldwide, indicating a shift towards greater gender inclusivity in society. The report shows that an increasing number of surveys are offering three or more gender response options, moving away from the traditional male/female binary.
Many countries are also adopting nonbinary gender options in surveys, reflecting a broader recognition of societal shifts around gender identification. The term 'nonbinary' has become a popular choice for gender-inclusive questions, surpassing options like 'prefer not to say' or 'gender not listed here'.
Leaders are urged to be mindful of language that fosters understanding, engagement, and connection to drive authentic feedback. As society's understanding of gender evolves, surveys must also progress to reflect these changes. The approach to gender inclusivity in the workplace requires continuous reassessment and a commitment to creating a space for evolving conversations.
The philosophy of 'ask, listen, then act' is promoted at SurveyMonkey, emphasizing the importance of asking questions, actively listening, and taking thoughtful action to build trust and encourage participation in feedback processes. By staying attuned to shifting data, terminology, and societal questions, leaders can effectively support the growth of gender inclusion in the workplace.
Asking questions rooted in authenticity makes individuals feel valued and more willing to provide meaningful feedback. This feedback loop allows business leaders to course correct based on new information and adapt alongside changing societal trends to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
