How to Be Politically Correct in the Workplace

To create a comfortable and productive work atmosphere, it helps to show respect toward people of various backgrounds by observing some simple rules of conduct.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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1. Use acceptable terminology when referring to various racial, ethnic, religious and other minority groups. Proper terms include "African-American," "Caucasian," "Native American" and "homosexual."

2. Use gender-neutral terms whenever possible. For example, say "chairperson" or simply "chair" in place of "chairman."

3. Avoid telling jokes or making comments that key off of racial, ethnic or sexual stereotypes, even if those present don't belong to the target group. Such humor often makes people uncomfortable regardless of their backgrounds.

4. Keep e-mail, memos and other office communications professional and nonoffensive. Avoid trying to be humorous in these situations, because even the most well-intentioned jokes and remarks can be interpreted in the wrong way.

5. Be aware of your surroundings when taking personal calls. Avoid allowing yourself to become relaxed to the point where your comments may make nearby co-workers uncomfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• Politically correct terminology can change quickly. Do your best to keep up with current trends.
• Avoid asking people what they'd prefer to be called, since this type of question often comes off as condescending. If you're unsure, just say what comes naturally.

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[flit53]

on 11/9/2009

The holidays are quickly approching and I'm wondering how different work environments celebrate (or not) holidays in the workplace. It'd be great to get a better idea of what's possible - there are a few examples here already but it could be a great resource if we all submitted our stories here:
http://humanresources.about.com/u/sty/motivationrewardretention/holidays_workplace/

[itsjustme8]

on 7/28/2009 My supervisor always refers to my co-workers and myself as "girls" or "ladies". As in good night ladies or girls and talks to others on the supervisory level referring to us her girls or ladies. I would like to compose a professional email to her requesting that she not do this and need some help as to what to say. I seem to be the only one that is bothered by this and now I'm not sure if I'm making a mountain ot of a molehill. HELP

[stewartwilliams]

on 1/22/2009 The term Chairman is generally a position/title, rather than a type of person. How can a person be a "Chair"? This is stupid. Why don't we change the term for a female President to "Presidenta" - wouldn't that be politically correct? The point is, the position itself is and should be sexless. By the way, the word "man" is in the word "woman." What's next, "woperson"? Stupid. Oh, and by the way, many women Chairpersons/CEO's are going back to "Chairman" because they recognize that it's a position, and not a type of person.

[yenora]

on 11/8/2008 I agree with comments above

on 8/8/2006 The terms "Caucasian", "African American", and "homosexual" are generally too clinical-sounding for normal use. They may be what you'd find on paperwork, but use more common words for other contexts. There's nothing wrong with saying "white".
"African American" isn't as bad as the others, but "black" isn't considered offensive, so why waste six syllables? Also, "African American" has the problem of only applying to Americans and is potentially offensive if accidentally applied to non-Americans. Avoid using the word "homosexual" to describe a person or relationship. Use "gay" or "lesbian" instead. This is the most important, as while the other examples are just overly formal, this one might actually be considered offensive as the word "homosexual" puts inordinate emphasis on the sexual element and is often used by people who refuse to use the word "gay" because of its positive connotations.