Rethinking Greetings: Why “Hi Guys” Isn’t Inclusive

As a person, a woman, working in the male-dominated field of Software Development, I sometimes find myself dealing with subtle, but persistent issues of inclusivity. One such issue that may seem harmless at a first glance is the commonly used greeting, “Hi guys.”

While it may appear to be a casual and innocuous phrase, I believe it is essential to shed light on why this expression is not as inclusive as it may seem.

The Language of Inclusivity
There was a time in my life when I didn’t consciously consider non-inclusive language. I was so used to often being the sole woman in the room, that being one of the guys was the norm. Usage of language or certain behavior was, and still is, deeply ingrained in the structure that I am part of. Over the years, my awareness and perspectives of the true meaning of inclusivity have evolved.

Language is a powerful tool, that can both shape, and reflect our values, and beliefs. At Volvo Cars, where we are striving for gender diversity and inclusivity, the words we choose should reflect our commitment to these ideals. As friendly as it might seem, the term “guys” unintentionally excludes a significant portion of the workforce — not just women, but also gender-diverse individuals. While it might appear trivial and unintentional, this seemingly harmless expression can contribute to a sense of being left out and reinforce stereotypes within our industry.

We have come a long way in acknowledging and addressing diversity and gender disparities, but there is still much work to be done. “Hi guys” is inherently gendered. By recognizing that our words matter, and by embracing non-biased language that is gender-neutral, we can actively contribute to a more inclusive workplace.

But, but…

‘In the United States, ‘Hi guys’ is commonly used and accepted as a casual greeting!’

‘I know some women who are fine with being greeted this way!’

‘It depends on the context. In my circle of friends, we use it all the time, and no one takes offense!’

While it might be true that ‘Hi guys’ enjoys widespread usage and acceptance in the United States, it’s essential to acknowledge that language is dynamic, ever-evolving.

As our understanding of inclusivity and gender sensitivity grows, so should our language choices. Just because a phrase is widely accepted does not mean it cannot be improved, to better align with our evolving values.

Inclusive Alternatives
The term “guys” isn’t always gender-neutral. In certain contexts, it’s explicitly directed at males, making it clear that it’s not an inclusive choice when addressing mixed-gender groups. So, why opt for a word that’s only sometimes gender-neutral when we have perfectly neutral alternatives available?

Replacing “Hi guys” or “Hi dudes” with gender-neutral greetings is a simple, yet powerful step toward inclusivity. Phrases like “Hello everyone” or “Hi team” or “Hi all” are easy substitutes, that make everyone feel valued and included, regardless of their gender. Moreover, why not consider warm greetings like “Hello, wonderful people” or “Hey, fabulous individuals”?

By making this small change, we demonstrate our commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Do better
As a person who strives to do better every day, I believe that we must be vigilant about the language we use, and the impact it has on our colleagues, especially in an industry where diversity and inclusion are crucial.

“Hi guys”, as harmless as it seems, can be seen as a symbol of the broader systemic issues related to gender inclusivity and equality. Recognizing and addressing such language choices is part of a larger effort to create more equitable and inclusive societies.

Embracing inclusive language isn’t a matter of being politically correct; it’s about actively promoting a more welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.