Nudging Inclusion: Nudges That Reduce Effort Increase Pronoun Sharing

Abstract

Sharing gender pronouns (e.g., she/her, he/him, and they/them) is an allyship behavior that signals support for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) coworkers and fosters a more inclusive workplace climate. Little is known, however, about how to effectively encourage pronoun sharing among gender majorities. The present work integrates research on choice architecture, and more specifically nudges, to examine whether these tools can be used to promote pronoun sharing. Given the recent changes in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) landscape, we design and assess simple strategies intended to encourage inclusive practices while preserving individual choice and autonomy. Across two studies, we implemented experimental designs to examine the effectiveness of different types of nudges and messaging about pronoun sharing. We found that nudges are likely to be effective when they make pronoun sharing easy or reduce effort in decision‐making. Specifically, giving people a list of options to choose from was the most effective nudge across both studies. The present study has important implications for how choice architecture can be used to increase participation in inclusive behaviors in the workplace. In doing so, we provide practical, low‐cost guidance for DEI practitioners seeking progress amid a shifting landscape.