Adding pronouns to your Teams profile is a simple way to support respectful communication within your organization. If you are wondering how to add pronouns to teams, the process takes only a few seconds but makes a big difference in creating an inclusive environment. This guide walks you through every step, whether you are using the desktop app, web browser, or mobile device.
Pronouns like she/her, he/him, they/them, or other combinations help everyone address each other correctly. Microsoft Teams now lets you display pronouns directly on your profile card, so colleagues see them during chats, meetings, and calls. No more guessing or awkward moments.
Why Adding Pronouns Matters In Teams
Using correct pronouns is a basic sign of respect. When you share your pronouns, you normalize the practice for everyone. It reduces assumptions based on names or appearances.
Teams is a workplace tool used by millions. By adding pronouns, you help create a culture where everyone feels seen and valued. It is especially important for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming colleagues.
Studies show that inclusive workplaces have higher employee satisfaction and retention. Small actions like this one contribute to a larger sense of belonging.
Who Should Add Pronouns
Everyone. Not just people whose pronouns might be unclear. When everyone participates, it removes the burden from marginalized groups to always speak up first.
Managers and leaders should set the example. If your organization encourages pronoun sharing, it shows commitment to diversity and inclusion goals.
When Pronoun Visibility Helps Most
During team introductions, client meetings, or cross-department projects. Also useful in large organizations where people don’t know each other well.
It helps avoid misgendering in written communication, which can damage trust and morale. Pronouns in Teams profiles are visible in the profile card, chat, and meeting participant list.
How To Add Pronouns To Teams: Step-By-Step Guide
Now let’s get into the actual steps. The exact keyword “how to add pronouns to teams” is covered in detail below. Follow these instructions for the desktop app first.
For Desktop App (Windows And Mac)
- Open Microsoft Teams on your computer.
- Click on your profile picture or initials in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- In the Settings window, click on “General” on the left sidebar.
- Scroll down until you see the “Pronouns” section.
- Click the checkbox that says “Show pronouns on my profile card.”
- Type your pronouns in the text field. For example: she/her, he/him, they/them, or any combination like she/they.
- Click “Save” to apply the change.
Thats it. Your pronouns will now appear on your profile card for anyone who views it. You can change them anytime by repeating these steps.
For Web Browser Version
The web version works similarly. Here is how to add pronouns in Teams using a browser like Chrome or Edge.
- Go to teams.microsoft.com and sign in.
- Click your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Choose “Settings” from the menu.
- Navigate to the “General” tab.
- Find the “Pronouns” section.
- Toggle on “Show pronouns on my profile card.”
- Enter your pronouns in the text box.
- Click “Save.”
Note: The web version may look slightly different depending on updates, but the general path remains the same.
For Mobile App (IOS And Android)
Adding pronouns on mobile is just as easy. Here are the steps.
- Open the Teams app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap your profile picture in the top left corner.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
- Tap on “General.”
- Scroll to “Pronouns” and tap it.
- Toggle on “Show pronouns on my profile card.”
- Enter your pronouns in the field provided.
- Tap the back arrow or checkmark to save.
Your pronouns will now display in the mobile app as well. They sync across all devices automatically.
Common Issues When Adding Pronouns
Sometimes the pronouns option is missing or grayed out. This usually happens because of organization settings. Your IT admin may have disabled the feature.
If you cannot find the pronouns section, contact your Teams administrator. They can enable it in the Microsoft 365 admin center under Teams settings.
Another issue is that pronouns may not show up immediately. Try refreshing the app or logging out and back in. If it still doesn’t appear, check for updates to the Teams app.
What If Your Pronouns Are Not Listed
Teams allows you to type any pronouns you want. There is no preset list. You can enter she/her, he/him, they/them, ze/zir, or any other combination.
You can also include multiple sets, like she/they or he/they. Just type them exactly as you want them displayed. Keep it short for best visibility.
Can You Add Pronouns Without Showing Them
Yes. You can enter pronouns in the settings but choose not to display them. The checkbox controls visibility. Some people prefer to have them ready but only show when needed.
However, for maximum inclusivity, it is better to display them openly. It encourages others to do the same.
Best Practices For Pronoun Usage In Teams
Once you know how to add pronouns to teams, follow these tips to make the most of the feature.
- Use consistent pronouns across all platforms, including email signatures and Zoom.
- Update your pronouns if they change. It is easy to edit anytime.
- Encourage your team to add pronouns during onboarding or team meetings.
- Respect others’ pronouns even if you find them unfamiliar.
- If you make a mistake, apologize briefly and move on. Do not make it about you.
How To Ask Others For Their Pronouns
When meeting new people in Teams, you can ask politely. Say something like “I use they/them pronouns. What pronouns do you use?”
This normalizes the question. Avoid assuming someone’s pronouns based on their name or appearance.
In group chats or channels, you can add a note: “Feel free to share your pronouns in your profile. It helps us all communicate respectfully.”
Privacy And Security Considerations
Your pronouns are visible to anyone in your organization who can view your profile card. This includes external guests if they are added to Teams.
If you have privacy concerns, you can choose not to display pronouns. But remember that sharing pronouns is generally safe and encouraged in professional settings.
Microsoft does not use pronoun data for advertising or other purposes. It is stored securely within your Microsoft 365 tenant.
What About External Users
When you chat with people outside your organization, your pronouns may or may not show. It depends on their Teams settings and permissions.
For consistent communication, consider adding pronouns to your email signature as well. This covers all bases.
How To Enable Pronouns For Your Organization
If you are an IT admin or manager, you can enable the pronouns feature for everyone. Here is how.
- Go to the Microsoft 365 admin center.
- Navigate to “Teams & Skype” or “Teams admin center.”
- Find “Teams settings” or “Messaging policies.”
- Look for the option “Show pronouns” and set it to “On.”
- Save the changes. It may take a few hours to propagate.
Once enabled, all users will see the pronouns option in their settings. You can also make it mandatory if desired, though voluntary adoption is more common.
Communicating The Change To Employees
Send an email or Teams announcement explaining the new feature. Include a link to this guide or your internal documentation.
Explain why pronouns matter and how to use the feature. Offer a training session if needed. Make it clear that sharing pronouns is optional but encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add pronouns to Teams if the option is missing?
If you don’t see the pronouns section, your organization may not have enabled it yet. Contact your IT admin to turn it on. Alternatively, check if your Teams app is updated to the latest version.
Can I add pronouns to Teams for someone else?
No. Each user must add their own pronouns. You cannot edit another person’s profile. Encourage colleagues to do it themselves.
Will my pronouns show in Teams meetings?
Yes. During meetings, your pronouns appear next to your name in the participant list and on your video tile if you have the feature enabled.
How often can I change my pronouns in Teams?
As often as you like. There is no limit. Simply go back to settings and update the text field. Changes take effect immediately.
Does adding pronouns to Teams affect my Microsoft 365 profile?
Yes, it updates your profile card across Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook and SharePoint. So your pronouns will show in emails and other tools too.
Conclusion
Now you know how to add pronouns to teams in just a few clicks. This small step supports a more inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected. Share this guide with your team and encourage them to add their pronouns too.
Remember, inclusivity is an ongoing practice. Keep learning, keep listening, and keep showing up for each other. Your pronouns matter, and so does everyone else’s.
If you run into any issues, refer back to this article or reach out to your IT support. Happy pronoun sharing!