Adding Pronouns in Microsoft 365: A Tutorial

Adding Pronouns in Microsoft 365

Microsoft has recently introduced a feature that allows users to add pronouns to their Microsoft 365 profiles. This feature has been eagerly anticipated and is an essential step in making digital workplaces more inclusive.

Proper use of pronouns can help employees feel respected and valued. As Microsoft 365 now provides this feature, it could make a significant difference in ensuring all employees feel included. Leading to better organization-wide communication and understanding.

The new feature doesn't just include common pronouns like 'he/him', 'she/her', and 'they/them’. Users have the ability to create their own pronouns or use neopronouns like 'xe/xir' and 'ze/zir'.

Quick Guide to Accessing the Pronoun Feature

To enable the feature and add pronouns in Microsoft 365, users need to follow some steps. It starts with logging in to the Microsoft 365 portal. From the left app rail or waffle dropdown, the user can select Admin. Following that, in the Microsoft 365 admin portal, selecting Settings from the app rail is necessary.

The users must choose Org Settings, then Security and Privacy, and finally Pronouns. They can then activate Turn On and Allow Pronouns and select Save. It's important to note that it could take around seven hours for changes to take effect and for users to add their pronouns.

Users can also adjust their pronouns in the Teams' desktop and web clients. They simply need to select their Avatar, then their Username, and then click on Pronouns under the name. Users or admins currently can't control who can see their pronouns in Microsoft 365 in their organization. Pronouns aren’t visible to people outside their organization.

Finally

Microsoft aims to create more inclusive digital workspaces through this update. The step is considered minor in building an allyship but indeed a step forward. Recognizing and respecting one's pronouns, particularly in a professional environment, communicates inclusion and respect for individual identities.

This blog explained that updating pronouns is equally possible in Teams and Outlook, and the result shows up immediately. The pronouns data is stored in the user's exchange mailbox. With this development, Microsoft again proves its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within their software.

Internally within an organization, the visibility of pronouns on one’s profile would help in maintaining a courteous and respectful communication among employees. This move would be greatly appreciated by trans and non-binary employees who feel overlooked when it comes to their pronouns preference.

Read the full article Adding Pronouns in Microsoft 365

Learn about Adding Pronouns in Microsoft 365

Today, let's dive into a new feature that has been buzzing in the tech community: the addition of pronouns to Microsoft 365. This functionality has just entered the preview phase and is available on the contact card utilized by Teams and Outlook on the Web. This innovation is not only a stride towards embracing diversity within digital platforms but also answers the growing demand for such features, evidenced by thousands of votes on the feedback portal and a petition garnering substantial support on change.org.

The choice and correct use of pronouns can play a key role in creating an inclusive workplace environment, as it signals respect and acceptance of all gender identities. This novel change is one small step towards creating stronger allies, making everyone feel included, and is set to be a priority for various organizations as it gradually transitions from preview to general availability.

This feature will cover:

• Enabling Private Preview
• Including Pronouns in Microsoft 365 Admin
• Adding pronouns in Teams
• Adding pronouns in Outlook on the Web
• FAQ

Here's how to enable this:
Ensure you have a Teams License (within your Microsoft 365 package) for testing and Global Administrator permissions for Microsoft 365 Admin. Enable the public preview within the Teams Admin Centre following the steps outlined in the linked article, and then have the users enable the public preview within their Teams Desktop clients.

To set up pronouns in the Microsoft 365 hub, log into the Portal as a Global Administrator and follow these steps:

• Login at login.microsoftonline.com
• Select Admin
• In the Office 365 admin site, select Settings
• Select Org Settings
• Select Security and Privacy
• Select Pronouns
• Check Turn On and Allow Pronouns, then select Save

Pronouns are now enabled through the admin centre. However, it could take up to seven hours for users to see these changes and add their pronouns.

Adding pronouns in Teams is equally straightforward. Open the Microsoft Teams Web or Desktop client, select your avatar, click on the Username, select Pronouns under the name, add your preferred pronouns, then hit Save. You'll get a notification confirming that your profile has been updated.

Similarly, you can add and modify pronouns in Outlook on the Web. After selecting Outlook from the left-hand side app rail, find a mail with your avatar, select Pronouns under the contact info, add your chosen pronouns, and click Save.

Lastly, the blog provides answers to frequently asked queries. Changes in pronouns are instantly reflected in both Teams and Outlook. Although the admin can enable the functionality for a user or a group, they can't enforce the use or display of pronouns. Currently, pronouns are visible to everyone in their organization, including guests, but aren't visible to people outside their organization. The data is stored in their exchange mailbox and can show any place where the contact card is surfaced.

More links on about Adding Pronouns in Microsoft 365

Pronouns on your profile in Microsoft 365

On your profile card, select + Pronouns or the pronouns listed below your name. ... To add or change your pronouns, select from the examples (only available in ...

Frequently asked questions about pronouns in Microsoft 365

Instead of “they,” “them,” “their,” or “themself,” additional pronouns include: “sie,” “hir,” “hirs,” “hirself” or “zie,” “zir,” “zirs,” or “zirself.” Why ...

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