Inclusivity guide

How to Add Pronouns to Your Email Signature

A simple, professional way to share your pronouns. Examples, placement options, and best practices for individuals and teams.

Why add pronouns to your email signature?

Adding pronouns to your email signature is a simple way to create an inclusive environment. It normalizes sharing pronouns across your organization, helps avoid misgendering, and signals that your workplace values and respects gender identity. It's a small addition that makes a meaningful difference.

How to add pronouns to your email signature

1

Add pronouns to your job title field

The simplest approach: include pronouns in parentheses after your job title. For example, "Marketing Manager (she/her)" or "Software Engineer (they/them)". This keeps pronouns visible without adding extra lines to your signature.

2

Or add as a separate line

For a cleaner look, add pronouns on their own line below your name or title. Use a smaller font size or muted color to keep it subtle. BrandFooter lets you add custom fields for this.

3

Copy HTML and paste into your email client

Click 'Copy HTML' in BrandFooter and paste your signature into your email client's settings. Pronouns are plain text, so they work perfectly in every email client.

Why use pronouns

Key benefits of adding pronouns to your email signature.

Inclusivity

Including pronouns signals that your workplace values and respects gender identity. It creates a more welcoming environment for everyone, including transgender and non-binary colleagues.

Normalizes sharing pronouns

When more people share their pronouns, it becomes a normal part of professional communication. This removes the spotlight from those who need to share pronouns and makes it a shared practice.

Reduces misgendering

Names don't always indicate pronouns, especially across cultures. Including pronouns in your signature helps colleagues and contacts address you correctly from the first interaction.

Shows allyship

Even if your pronouns might seem obvious, sharing them demonstrates solidarity with those whose pronouns aren't assumed correctly. It's a small action with a meaningful impact.

Tips for pronouns

Best practices to get the most out of this feature.

Place after your name or title

The two most common placements are right after your name ("Jane Smith (she/her)") or after your job title. Both are professional and widely accepted.

Use the parentheses format

The standard format is lowercase in parentheses: (he/him), (she/her), (they/them). This is the most recognized and professional format in business settings.

Keep it subtle

Pronouns should complement your signature, not dominate it. Use a slightly smaller font size or a muted color to keep the focus on your name and contact details.

Make it optional for teams

If you're rolling out pronouns for your team, make it an opt-in feature. Requiring pronoun sharing can put some people in uncomfortable positions. Encourage, don't mandate.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about pronouns in email signatures.

Where should I put pronouns in my email signature?+

The most common placements are: in parentheses after your name (e.g., "Jane Smith (she/her)"), after your job title, or on a separate subtle line below your name. Choose whichever feels natural for your signature layout.

Is it professional to include pronouns in an email signature?+

Yes. Many Fortune 500 companies, universities, government agencies, and major organizations now encourage including pronouns in email signatures. It's widely accepted as a professional and inclusive practice across industries.

Should companies require pronouns in email signatures?+

Most DEI experts recommend encouraging but not requiring pronoun sharing. Making it optional respects individual comfort levels while still creating an inclusive environment. Provide the option and lead by example.

What format works best for pronouns in email signatures?+

The most common format is lowercase in parentheses: (he/him), (she/her), (they/them). Some people include all three pronoun forms (she/her/hers), but the two-form version is more concise and widely used.

Can I add pronouns in BrandFooter?+

Yes. You can add pronouns to your name field, job title field, or use a custom field to place them on a separate line. BrandFooter gives you full control over where pronouns appear in your signature.

Do pronouns in email signatures work in all email clients?+

Yes. Since pronouns are plain text content, they display correctly in every email client — Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, and all others. There are no compatibility concerns.

Create your signature with pronouns

Use our free generator to build a professional email signature with pronouns included. Customize placement, styling, and more.

Create Your Signature