ByteDance has recently made it clear that the company does not recommend employees address each other with honorifics such as 'bro', 'sis', or 'teacher' based on their job titles, years of service, or other hierarchical factors. The company is promoting a culture where employees address each other by their names or use the informal term 'classmates'. This shift in policy is aimed at reducing the sense of hierarchy among employees, making it easier for them to communicate openly and share ideas without fear of being dismissed due to their junior status.
By reducing the use of honorifics, ByteDance is encouraging a culture of collaboration, innovation, and active participation from all employees, regardless of their job title or tenure. This move is meant to foster a more inclusive and dynamic work environment, where employees feel empowered to speak up and contribute their ideas without being held back by traditional hierarchies.
According to ByteDance, the use of honorifics can create a power imbalance and make it difficult for new employees to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions. By adopting a more direct and informal approach to communication, the company is aiming to create a more level playing field where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and grow.