ABSL World Values Day: Inclusive language debate with Adam Bodnar and Szczepan Twardoch

Pictured from left:

• Aleksandra Galant (journalist)
• Szczepan Twardoch (writer)
• Iwona Dudzińska (Head of Citibank Europe PLC Poland Branch/MD Citi)
• Adam Bodnar (former Ombudsman for Citizen Rights)
• Anna Karolska (HR Lead, BAT Digital Business Solutions)

On October 20, Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL) organized a debate entitled "The Role of Inclusive Language in Building Diversity in Organizations". The event took place at the headquarters of Citi Bank Europe in Warsaw as part of the #WorkingTogether program.

The debate featured Professor Adam Bodnar, former Ombudsman; Iwona Dudzinska, Director of Citibank Europe Branch in Poland/MD Citi; Anna Karolska, HR Lead, BAT Digital Business Solutions; and Szczepan Twardoch, a writer. The discussion was moderated by journalist Aleksandra Galant.

Inclusive language as a communication tool should build understanding and manifest respect for others, and it is its importance that was discussed by the participants in the debate.

Iwona Dudzinska reminded that the language used in an organization affects the work environment and makes employees more or less effective. Adam Bodnar, in turn, referred to the law. According to Article 11 of the Labor Code, the employer has an obligation to prevent discrimination. In his opinion, this can be implemented precisely by introducing inclusive language and creating related procedures. "The introduction of procedures geared toward inclusion minimizes the risk of a legal dispute between the employee and the employer," - he said, and added that many actions cannot be mandated by law, as this would be artificial. Szczepan Twardoch also drew attention to this aspect. He stressed that implementation must be natural, and the language itself should be understandable and easy to accept.

Employers and ABSL member organizations declare that in all their activities they are guided by the principle of equal treatment in the workplace regardless of nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, political beliefs, race, religion, gender identity, age, religion and etc.

The debate can be viewed here