When employees feel respected for who they are, they’re more engaged, more collaborative, and more likely to stay. Businesses are recognizing that helping people feel like they belong isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart strategy.
We talk a lot about innovation and agility, but language is a powerful tool often overlooked. Simple, everyday word adjustments make people feel respected, seen, and valued.
The language gap
Let’s look at a few familiar moments.
You’re in a meeting, and someone shares a personal story related to their background or experience—but the conversation moves on, and a colleague hesitates. They’re unsure how to respond or what words to use, so they say nothing, afraid of saying the wrong thing. Later, in a team chat, another employee uses a term that feels outdated or awkward. It wasn’t meant to offend, but it lands the wrong way.
These small moments don’t come from a place of harm—often, they’re rooted in uncertainty. Most people want to do the right thing, but they’re unsure how. And yet, even these brief interactions can shape how included, valued, or connected someone feels at work.
What happens? Employees may disengage or stop speaking up. Over time, that takes a toll, not only on individuals but also on team performance and culture. Teams lose trust. Communication breaks down. And yet, most employees want to get it right—they just need the tools to do it.
Language as a workplace strategy
Respectful communication isn’t always simple. Language evolves. New terms emerge. What felt appropriate five years ago might feel outdated today. And for busy professionals, it can be tough to keep up, even with the best of intentions.
That’s why giving employees access to training that builds confidence and clarity in their communication is so important. If the goal is to build strong, connected teams, how we speak to and about each other matters.
Respectful communication helps:
- Prevent misunderstandings that lead to friction or frustration, both internally and with customers and partners
- Equip teams to work across generational, regional, and experiential differences
- Create stronger, more trusting relationships in every corner of the business
Practical learning to bridge the gap
OpenDoors meets this need head-on. Through a variety of course styles (micro-learning, storytelling, and presenter-led), employees can navigate real workplace conversations with empathy and clarity. Whether knowing how to describe a colleague’s lived experience, referring to someone’s background accurately, or simply having the right language to navigate sensitive conversations, these moments can shape whether an employee feels like they belong—or not.
Culture & Belonging Glossary Series
The Glossary Series breaks down common terms related to identity and workplace culture in bite-sized videos. These concise, insightful courses define essential workplace culture concepts through real-world examples and thought-provoking discussion questions, boosting your confidence and enhancing workplace conversations. It’s the kind of content that helps employees feel more confident participating in meaningful conversations without the fear of saying the wrong thing.
Storytelling Series
In the Personal Pronouns Series, learners meet a cast of characters working through everyday workplace moments—like introductions, meetings, and emails—where pronouns come up naturally across all kinds of backgrounds. These narratives illustrate how to cultivate a culture of belonging in any workspace with specific language around identity. The course guide helps you review key points, deepen your understanding of different perspectives, and apply your knowledge to real-world situations for a truly personalized learning experience.
New courses to deepen understanding
OpenDoors recently launched a new series of presenter-led courses that take the conversation even further. These courses tackle essential topics around building a workplace culture of belonging and respect, and each one is paired with a comprehensive workbook and actionable takeaways to support deeper learning and application.
- Discovering Your Why: How Emotional Intelligence Drives Belonging: Encourages self-awareness and empathy as foundations for connection.
- Beyond Labels: Exploring the Interconnections of Identity: Helps learners better understand the full picture of someone’s experience at work.
- Voice, Value, and Vision: Building Welcoming Spaces: Offers tangible steps for creating environments where everyone can thrive.
- Empowered Leadership: Sustaining a Lasting Culture of Belonging: Supports people leaders in building respectful, welcoming teams.
When companies invest in this type of learning, they’re not just avoiding awkward conversations—they’re building healthier teams. Employees feel more comfortable speaking up, managers lead with empathy, and the business reaps the rewards of a more connected, motivated workforce.
Best of all? It starts with just a few minutes of training.