The Power of Sound: How Your Accent Impacts Workplace Perceptions

Have you ever noticed how the way someone speaks can affect how they’re perceived at work?

It’s known as accent bias — a subtle yet significant influence on how we assess someone’s competence, professionalism, or even intelligence based solely on their accent.

What Is Accent Bias?

Accent bias happens when people form judgments about someone’s skills or abilities based on how they speak, often unfairly associating certain accents with higher competence.

For instance, accents perceived as “neutral” or “prestigious” (like American Midwestern or British Received Pronunciation) are often linked to competence, while others — especially non-native or regional accents — may face bias (Turner et al., 2024).

Research has shown that even if qualifications are equal, those with certain accents are less likely to be hired or promoted (Novak & Kim, 2021).

How It Affects First Impressions

The impact of accent bias can be swift and subtle.

Studies show that interviewers might form opinions based on how a candidate sounds even before hearing about their skills.

A 2023 study revealed that 30% of interviewers admitted they made assumptions about a candidate’s qualifications based on their accent alone (Baker, 2023).

While this doesn’t necessarily determine success, it can create an unfair barrier to equal opportunity.

Should You Change Your Accent?

You might be wondering — should I change my accent to fit in? The answer is: not necessarily.

Your accent is part of your identity, and you shouldn’t feel compelled to erase it.

However, there are practical ways you can enhance how you’re understood, especially in professional settings.

Speak Clearly and at a Moderate Pace
Rather than trying to sound “neutral,” focus on clarity. A study by Wang and Lee (2022) found that candidates who spoke clearly and at a steady pace were perceived as more competent, regardless of their accent. This doesn’t mean “softening” your accent; it means ensuring your speech is easy to follow.
Practice Pronunciation
If you’ve noticed that certain words or sounds might be misinterpreted, it might help to practice those specific pronunciations. A slight adjustment in pronunciation can make a significant difference, particularly in high-stakes situations like interviews or client meetings. It’s not about changing your identity but ensuring that your message is received without confusion.
Confidence in Your Voice
Accents don’t detract from intelligence — confidence does. Being comfortable and confident in your speech can eliminate the negative effects of accent bias. According to a 2024 report from the Global Inclusion Institute, organizations are starting to recognize the importance of linguistic confidence and support employees in expressing themselves clearly without judgment.

The Path Toward Inclusion

The tide is slowly turning as workplaces acknowledge linguistic diversity.

A 2023 report from the Global Inclusion Institute showed that more companies are actively working to combat accent bias by promoting awareness and encouraging diverse communication styles.

In these environments, diverse accents aren’t just tolerated — they’re celebrated as a strength.

Accent bias is real, and it can affect how we’re perceived in the workplace, particularly in first impressions.

While you don’t need to change your accent to succeed, being practical about how you communicate can improve your chances.

By focusing on clarity, pronunciation, and confidence, you can navigate the bias while staying true to your identity.

Ultimately, the way we speak doesn’t define our potential; it’s what we bring to the table that matters most.

Sources

Baker, L. (2023). The impact of accent on hiring decisions. Journal of Workplace Psychology, 48(3), 215–229.
Novak, K., & Kim, S. (2021). Hiring biases: How accent influences employability. International Journal of Human Resource Studies, 34(2), 140–152.
Turner, M., Kim, H., & Zhao, X. (2024). Accents and employment discrimination: A U.S. case study. Journal of Sociolinguistics, 28(1), 89–102.
Wang, J., & Lee, P. (2022). Communication clarity versus accent: Workplace implications. Linguistics in the Workplace, 15(4), 321–336.

Global Inclusion Institute. (2023). Accent diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Retrieved from globalinclusion.org.