LinkedIn announced a new campaign yesterday-one that focuses on promoting a more diverse workplace and a greater means for individuals to express themselves in the professional sphere.

As you can see in the video clip, the overall focus of the campaign is on using gender pronouns, which LinkedIn recently included as an optional profile listing back in March.
Since then, LinkedIn reports over 6 million users have added their pronouns to their profile display-an important first step toward a more open, inclusive workforce.

According to LinkedIn:

"Nearly 50% of job seekers in the U.S. say they're more likely to be their authentic self in how they show up in the workplace compared to a year ago.". And we've seen these conversations happen around the world in our LinkedIn community, as our members reconsider their priorities and relationships with work and life, and reclaim that being professional really means creating inclusive spaces and culture to honor each other as who we are, so that we can bring our unique experiences and perspectives to the table.

The new push is part of LinkedIn's broader 'What Does it Mean to be Professional' campaign, which delves into changes in the modern workforce, shifting expectations, and the opportunities these changes bring.

That's an important initiative, shining a light on these key shifts and how all employees can feel empowered to be their authentic selves. And as LinkedIn plays an increasingly important role in connecting people with opportunities and maximizing professional representation, so too is it important for the platform to take the lead on such initiatives, as if ideally to change perceptions of work especially in the new landscape that we are entering and out of COVID.

With this in mind, the time is now, at this very point in the clock, to innovate changes in professionalism and relationships at work, as norms are being formed, in myriad ways.

Which is why this is a much-needed timely, valuable new push from the professional social network.