2

In a work context, what is a good word for addressing a mixed-gender group of people?

Currently, "guys" seems to be fairly popular, but does have male overtones." Is there a really nothing better?

A few examples where your suggestion should fit:

  1. "Guys, who's working on the .."
  2. "Which one of you guys broke the build"?
  3. "We should ask the IT guys"

I'm after a fairly informal, everyday, word, but "peeps" is probably too informal.

Improve this question
6
  • 5
    Alright people, listen up. There are many words that apply. That's all, folks.
    – Tushar Raj
    Jun 26, 2015 at 10:24
  • What business context is it? Also guys ( people of either sex: you guys want some coffee? ODO) is quite informal!
    – user66974
    Jun 26, 2015 at 10:25
  • 4
    Addressing them as 'colleagues' or 'team' might be safest, unless you are sure that the group is already used to being called 'guys' or 'folks'. My personal opinion is that 'peeps' is best kept to out of work settings. Younger staff are usually happy with being addressed informally; older workers can prefer a more 'respectful' form of address....otherwise, 'ladies and gents' can suffice.
    – Julie Carter
    Jun 26, 2015 at 10:49
  • For context, this would normally be a manager addressing their team. Things like: "Guys, who's working on the .." or "Which one of you guys broke the build"?
    – xorsyst
    Jun 26, 2015 at 10:58
  • In a business environment, (too much of) informality is out of place. Let alone peeps, even guys would be inconsiderate in the example sentence above. Generally, specific addressing is tactfully bypassed: "Who's working on the ..?"; "Which one of you broke the build?" (That's not an answer, though.)
    – Kris
    Jun 26, 2015 at 11:13

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
4

It's very simple. Good morning everybody! Can you check with the IT department? Did you just call someone on the IT team? How do I get in touch with an IT professional? How do I get in touch with the IT person? Let's get this over to the engineering group. Will make sure that we communicate that to the sales team. Let me check with the product development team and get back to you. How are you all doing today? Or more grammatically correct, How are you doing today?

To answer the specific examples I'd say,

1) "Who is working on the…" 2) "Which one of you broke the build?" 3) " we should reach out to the IT team/ department/crew/people." Or simply, "You should reach out to IT."

Fill in the blank… Check with the engineering ____ Did you contact the HR _______

Improve this answer
1
  • Upvoted for "crew" - love it!
    – Yvonne Aburrow
    Mar 9, 2022 at 20:49
2

How about folks?

Folks

(informal) People in general.

y'all (very informal)

you (used to refer to more than one person).

For example: "Listen up y'all!"

Everyone/everybody

every person.

For example: "Hello everyone", "Hello everybody!"

People

For example: "Good morning people!"

Improve this answer
6
  • 1
    Folks sounds more informal than peeps to me, also it's a weird word to say.
    – xorsyst
    Jun 26, 2015 at 10:55
  • 3
    @xorsyst it will be a cultural/regional thing. Peeps would be far more informal than folks round these parts.
    – Avon
    Jun 26, 2015 at 11:07
  • Also, "y'all" is a common address in the South. While still more informal than "men" or "team", It wouldn't be out of place in a casual business meeting. Plus, it's warmer than "you people" or "peeps", imho.
    – kirk
    Jun 26, 2015 at 11:26
  • Which south? ;) Just kidding, I know where you mean, but it sounds totally weird and fake over here.
    – xorsyst
    Jun 26, 2015 at 11:41
  • Folks was pretty common in the early internet period. It’s probably passing out of fashion, like dude.
    – user205876
    Oct 22, 2021 at 20:26
2

It's only 'gendered' since you are specifically making it so. Have you considered simply removing the 'gender' nouns rather than replace them?

"Hey everyone, who's working on the .."

"Which one of you broke the build"?

"We should ask someone down in IT"

Improve this answer
1
  • Yep, these are good alternatives, but I was hoping for a single drop-in word, rather than trying to teach everyone to rephrase everything they say...
    – xorsyst
    Jun 26, 2015 at 16:34

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.