📛 Names Matter and We Say Them Right at AbBaltis

In many workplaces, people with “unfamiliar” names are often asked, "Do you have something easier I can call you?"
This may seem small, but the impact is real and harmful.
🔸 Studies show mispronouncing names contributes to feelings of exclusion and invisibility in the workplace.
🔸 According to MIT Sloan, the act of learning and using someone’s real name is a proven act of inclusion that builds trust, psychological safety, and respect.
🔸 A report by Boundless found that 44% of applicants said mispronouncing their name in a job interview made them less likely to accept an offer.
This issue disproportionately affects migrants, ethnic minorities, and international professionals, who may feel pressure to change their names just to “fit in.” That’s not inclusion, it's assimilation.
💬 At AbBaltis, we don’t do nicknames unless you choose one.
If your name is important to you, it’s important to us, no matter how unfamiliar it may be to others. Everyone deserves the dignity of being called by their real name.
This policy may seem simple, but it speaks volumes about what we stand for:
✅ Respect
✅ Belonging
✅ Equity
Let’s normalize putting in the effort, because the cost of not doing so is far greater than the awkwardness of asking, “Can you help me pronounce that correctly?