Qantas staff told to avoid “Manterruptions” and non-inclusive language

Qantas staff told to avoid “Manterruptions” and non-inclusive language

Qantas staff have been told to avoid “gender-inappropriate” words, in the airline’s most recent bid to promote inclusion and make its employees more comfortable.

Staff were issued an information booklet from Qantas’ People and Culture group executive Lesley Grant, detailing how to make employees more comfortable at work, as the carrier begins its “Spirit of Inclusion” month, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Qantas' People and Culture group executive Lesley Grant

Qantas’ People and Culture group executive Lesley Grant

The booklet features a list of gender-specific words to avoid such as “honey”, “darling”, “guys”, and “love” to help staff members grow more aware of what might offend those around them.

Staff were told to use “partner” or “spouse” instead of “husband and wife”, and “parents” instead of “mum and dad” to avoid excluding LGBTI families.

“Manterruptions” are also to be avoided.

“Research shows that in many situations, including the workplace, men interrupt and speak over women, while the reverse rarely happens,” the pack says.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce alongside Cher at this year's Mardi Gras

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce alongside Cher at this year’s Mardi Gras

Appropriate ways of discussing Australian history is also outlined, and staff are urged to “recognise reality” over European arrival, by using terms like ‘colonisation’, occupation, or invasion instead of ‘settlement’.

“We have a long and proud history of promoting inclusion­ among our people, our customers, and society­, including support of indigenous issues, gender parity in business and marriage equality,” Grant said.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]