'All accents welcome’ Leeds researchers launch major study into workplace bias
In a world where voices shape identity as much as words do , we know that here in Yorkshire nothing is more soothing than our accent.
And now workers across the country are being asked to share their experiences of how their accents influence life at work with researchers at the University of Leeds.
The anonymous Voices at Work survey is open to adults working in the UK, and asks participants to consider whether they have felt advantaged or disadvantaged by people’s reactions to their accent at work.
Dr Gisela Tome Lourido, associate professor of Sociophonetics in the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, is leading the research.
Dr Tomé Lourido said: “Accents are an integral part of who we are, yet they often lead to quick, and sometimes unfair, judgements about people’s characteristics and abilities, shaping opportunities and experiences.
“Because accents are closely tied to social identity, these judgements can disadvantage individuals based on class, race, nationality, gender and more, perpetuating existing inequalities. By sharing your story, you will help us understand how accents influence workplace experiences and contribute to creating fairer, more inclusive work environments.”
The research comes after the launch of All Accents Welcome, a University of Leeds campaign that aims to highlight the importance of accents to individuals’ identities, as well as challenging accent bias in higher education.
Dr Tomé Lourido and Niamh Mullen, associate professor in English for Academic Purposes, co-created the All Accents Welcome campaign with students and staff in response to the issue, which affects not just the higher education sector, but the whole of society.
Niamh Mullen said: “We need to have conversations about accent bias to create truly inclusive workplaces and universities.
“Starting these conversations in any setting involves reflecting on the assumptions you make based on people’s accents, listening respectfully without judgement and reporting accent-based discrimination.
“To make meaningful progress, organisations must implement structural changes to ensure all voices are truly welcome and respected.”
One participant said they "thought twice before speaking in class" because they were worried about "being mocked" because of the way they spoke. Another participant added: “My accent is an integral part of who I am. It's like my cultural identity, my roots”.
The results of the Voices at Work survey will be used to inform academic research into accent bias and will contribute to the development and sharing of good practice around inclusion in the workplace.