You wouldn’t be on this page if you weren’t already aware of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. But as the diversity and inclusion field has exploded, the terminology has grown too. Catalyst believes the words we use matter—that they can reflect bias or challenge it, bring teams together or divide them. Below, we have put together a glossary of 12 terms you need to know in 2019. Share with your colleagues, teams, and leaders so that you’re all speaking the same language.
A caveat: This list isn’t exhaustive, nor is it the final word. As the D&I field develops, many of these terms may evolve too. The point: We all keep learning, and growing our vocabulary, together.
Ally
Noun: Advocates for people from underrepresented or marginalized groups. An ally takes action to support people outside of their own group.
Cisgender
Adj: A term used to describe people whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. Often abbreviated to cis.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Noun: Practicing good corporate citizenship by going beyond profit maximization to make a positive impact on communities and societies.
Emotional Tax
Noun: The combination of being on guard to protect against bias, feeling different at work because of gender, race, and/or ethnicity, and the associated effects on health, well-being, and ability to thrive at work.
Equality
Noun: Treating everyone the same way, often while assuming that everyone also starts out on equal footing or with the same opportunities.
Equity
Noun: Working toward fair outcomes for people or groups by treating them in ways that address their unique advantages or barriers.
Intersectional/ity
Noun: The intertwining of social identities such as gender, race, ethnicity, social class, religion, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, which can result in unique experiences, opportunities, and barriers.
Neurodiversity
Noun: The concept that there is great diversity in how people’s brains are wired and work, and that neurological differences should be valued in the same way we value any other human variation.
Non-Binary (also known as Genderqueer)
Adj: A category for a fluid constellation of gender identities beyond the woman/man gender binary.
Unconscious Bias
Noun: An implicit association, whether about people, places, or situations, which are often based on mistaken, inaccurate, or incomplete information and include the personal histories we bring to the situation.
Work-Life Effectiveness
Noun: A talent management strategy that focuses on doing the best work at the best time with the best talent. It helps businesses create flexibility, enhance agility, and drive mutually beneficial solutions for both employers and employees.
Workplace Inclusion
Noun: An atmosphere where all employees belong, contribute, and can thrive. Requires deliberate and intentional action.