I don’t know that we can fairly expect every workplace to address the needs and sensitivities of every staff member, and I don’t think that’s a particularly useful standard to set. But I do think there are more comprehensive steps we can take in the workplace to help people feel seen and respected that have less to do with the language we use and more to do with paying them fairly for their work, including their perspectives on the work and giving them more ownership over that work, giving employees real opportunities for growth, and treating them as equals.
