In the past few decades, Canadian employers have made great strides in preventing discrimination and harassment in the workplace. We still have a ways to go, though, especially as the language we use to describe a range of identities frequently changes. Many of us have experienced that awkward moment when a grandparent unknowingly uses a term that was once deemed respectful and is now considered out of date, or even offensive. A similar experience might happen in the workplace with employees of all ages. Often employees may not even be aware of the true meaning of the words they are choosing, or why someone would find such usage offensive.
