[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.esthermollema.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/pexels-eric-anada-280222-1495580-scaled.jpg” alt=”Lampje EM” title_text=”Lampje EM” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Do you agree with me? If you stumble over the abbreviation LGBTQIA+, that says nothing about your heart for people who aren\u2019t heterosexual. And if you don\u2019t know what the “E” in DEI stands for, or what intersectionality means, that doesn\u2019t mean you should be dismissed.<\/p>\n
But sometimes it does feel that way. In the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion, a language lesson seems almost obligatory. A field full of abbreviations and new terms where the \u201cexperts\u201d navigate effortlessly \u2014 and the rest are left trailing behind, feeling a bit lost.<\/p>\n
I was recently at an organization that specifically asked me not to call it DEI, because they preferred to put the \u201cI\u201d first. It better matched their image. To me, that\u2019s focusing more on the packaging than on the substance.<\/p>\n
It seems like there\u2019s a new term every month. Where five years ago we still debated whether to say \u201cinclusion\u201d or \u201cinclusivity,\u201d now the buzzwords come flying from all directions.<\/p>\n
If I\u2019m honest: I sometimes check out too. In meetings, a new abbreviation will be thrown in, and I don\u2019t always dare to ask what it means. For a moment, I feel like an imposter \u2014 even though this is literally my field.<\/p>\n
The problem is that we\u2019ve made it unnecessarily complicated. The language around diversity and inclusion has become HR jargon. It pushes people away from the topic, while what we really need is connection. And that\u2019s what inclusion and diversity are all about.<\/p>\n
\u00a0At its core, it\u2019s actually quite simple. Diversity means bringing in more perspectives to make better decisions. Inclusion is about making sure people stay, grow, and feel seen. Together, they are essential for innovation, speed, and high performance.<\/p>\n
\u00a0So let\u2019s stop with the buzzwords and acronyms. Not to oversimplify the issue, but to make it more accessible. The acronyms can go, the urgency must stay.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Esther argues in this sharp piece for less jargon and more connection. Because inclusion doesn\u2019t start with acronyms, it starts with real human connection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7765,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n