March 8th is International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate women’s achievements and how far we have come in the workplace. It is also a good reminder that the words we use at work can shape people’s experiences, often without us even realising it.
As a small business owner, it is important to know that language matters more than ever. With everything in the media recently, you cannot fail to be more aware of the drive for inclusivity, and the way we communicate can make a big difference. Younger workers especially pay even more close attention to this. Not every workplace has these challenges, but small changes in language can make the environment fairer and more welcoming for everyone.
The Double Standard in Language
Have you ever heard a woman called “bossy” for doing the same thing a man gets praised for as being “strong” or “confident”? It’s a common problem. The words we use shape how we see people, and they can create hidden bias at work. For small business owners, this can lead to unfair feedback, missed opportunities, and a workplace where people do not feel valued.
Some of these microaggressions are like calling women “cunning” or “manipulative” when they demonstrate ambition, but men are described as “strategic and powerful. Or “She’s being emotional.” vs. “He’s being passionate.” These small differences which we are usually unaware of create unequal feedback, can knock confidence and hold women back from promotions.
How Bias Impacts Careers and Companies
Bias in the workplace can harm both careers and companies. Biased language is not harmless, it can hold back people’s careers by giving vague feedback, especially for women, which prevents their growth. It can also hurt retention, as employees may leave if they feel unfairly treated.
Additionally, bias can damage a company’s reputation by affecting its culture and brand. Under the UK Equality Act 2010, biased feedback or unfair treatment can even break the law.
The Impact on Small Businesses
In small teams, the words we use and the feedback we give matter even more. Biased language can push good employees away if they feel they are being treated unfairly, leading to higher turnover. It can also hurt performance. When feedback is unclear or biased, employees struggle to improve.
Beyond that, workplace culture shapes your reputation, and in a small business, word spreads fast. A culture that feels unfair or unwelcoming can affect how people see your business, both inside and outside.
Simple Ways to Stop Language Bias
1. Review How You Give Feedback
Focus on actions and results, not personality. Use clear examples and the same standards for everyone.
2. Use Inclusive Language
Swap words like “chairman” for “chairperson.” Praise leadership qualities the same way, no matter who shows them.
3. Call Out Bias When You See It
If someone calls a woman "bossy," ask, “Would you say that if she were a man?” Encourage your team to speak up when they notice unfair feedback.
4. Offer Unconscious Bias Training
Short workshops or online training can help everyone spot and change biased habits.
The words we use can either lift people up or hold them back. Small changes in language can help create a fairer, more supportive workplace. As a society, we have made great progress in fairness and inclusivity, but there is always room to grow.
The same goes for businesses, there is always more to learn, and everyone plays a part in making the workplace better. If you want to build a better working environment, we are here to help. Get in touch with Dakota Blue Consulting for expert guidance tailored to small business owners just like you.