Marks and Spencer introduce optional pronoun name badges for staff

After a suggestion from an employee, M&S workers now have the option of wearing “whichever combination of pronouns” they choose on their name badges.

A post on LinkedIn by the retailer said: “Recently, we introduced pronoun name badges for our colleagues, encouraging as many of them as possible to wear whichever combination of pronouns is right for them."

It shared a post from employee David Parke, 28, a food PR manager from Croydon, in which he shared his own pronoun badge which read: “He/Him/His”.

Mr Parke told the PA news agency: “Giving people the option to display their pronouns at work is really important as it encourages them to show allyship towards trans and non-binary colleagues.

“Many of us already include our pronouns in our email signatures, but when you’re talking to people in person it’s useful to know how they want to be referred to in order to help everyone feel comfortable and avoid any misgendering.

“Right now trans people in the UK are facing more abuse and discrimination than ever before, and so it’s up to all of us to create an inclusive culture and make sure everyone gets the respect they deserve.”

Sasha Misra, associate director of communications and campaigns at Stonewall, said: “It’s great to see an increasing number of businesses offering the option of badges with pronouns for staff.

Marks and Spencer introduce optional pronoun name badges for staff. (Picture credit: David Parke/PA Wire)

“Creating an inclusive workplace starts with everyday actions, and having pronouns on badges is a simple yet impactful way to make sure LGBTQ+ identities are respected – for employees and customers alike.”

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