Pronouns on Profile Cards in Microsoft Teams and Outlook Web

Originally posted by Microsoft Feb 15, 2023 Uncategorized 0 Comments

We’re adding a new feature to the profile card in Microsoft 365. Users in your organization will soon be able to add pronouns directly to their profile card in Outlook on the web and Teams. Pronouns are the words we use to replace someone’s name in a sentence, such as “he,” “she,” or “they” in English.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 86382 and 115511

When this will happen:

Targeted Release: Rollout will begin late February.

GA: Rollout will begin in early March and is expected to be complete by late March.

How this will affect your organization:

The ability to allow people in your organization to display their pronouns on the profile card is OFF by default for your tenant. If elected, after you have turned pronouns ON, it is optional for users to add pronouns to their profile.

Pronouns will be shown next to the name in the top section of the profile card in Outlook on the web and Teams. Pronouns will be visible to everyone in your organization. If you want people in your organization to have the option of adding pronouns to their profile, you will have to turn pronouns ON for your tenant. 

What you need to do to prepare:

Whether or not to share or publicly display pronouns is always up to an individual. Pronouns should never be assigned by a person to another person. It should be up to the person using them to decide when, where, and which pronouns are used – including whether to use this feature, should it be turned on.

If the feature is utilized, it is recommended that internal and/or external subject matter experts in transgender inclusion be engaged to consider how pronoun display can complement (not substitute) more comprehensive efforts to support transgender communities in your organization.

Knowing someone’s pronouns does not always equate to knowing their gender identity. Administrators are encouraged to understand any applicable local laws, regulations, and cultural norms that may pose additional risks to employees should their pronouns be publicly displayed and take this into consideration as a decision is reached whether to or not to turn on this feature.

Once pronouns roll out, you may want to notify your users about this new capability and update your training and documentation as appropriate.

See our available documentation below:

• For Admins: Pronouns in Microsoft 365
• Pronouns on your profile in Microsoft 365
• Pronouns Best Practices
• Frequently Asked Questions About Pronouns

Message ID: MC515531