When we support and encourage one another to be our authentic selves, we strengthen our teams and increase trust in each other. Making even small, everyday choices to demonstrate that we’re thoughtful about inclusivity—like adding the pronouns you prefer to identify with—helps us build trust and confidence among teammates.
Teammates who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming typically face uncomfortable situations around how they identify, but the use of inclusive gender pronouns in business correspondence can be incredibly affirming. Sharing your gender pronouns in an email signature is a simple way to display support while sharing our commitment to inclusion.
Gender pronouns used most commonly are “he, him, his”, “she, her, hers”; team members who are gender nonconforming might use “they, them, theirs”.
To encourage all team members to think and act inclusively, the Sobeys Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team updated our Corporate Email Signature Templates to include guidance for adding personal pronouns. This optional gesture—which was suggested by teammates—allows for inclusive identification, fosters positive communication, and provides an opportunity for allies to show their support for gender-diverse teammates.
Want to know more?
Dana Weistra (Assistant Category Manager, Tahoe) shares the importance of working in a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome, seen and valued in this video, featured at our last Backstage town hall.
All teammates can contribute to Sobeys’ efforts to build programs and initiatives that best reflect our people by participating in the confidential Self Identification process in our HR system. To learn more about Self ID, read “Making YOU count“.
If you have any questions about the Diversity Self Identification process, please connect with your manager, your Human Resources Business Partner or email the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team at dei@sobeys.com.
