Why is the ISO plain language standard important for you?

Why are some workplace documents so hard to read? Why don’t they meet readers’ needs and achieve good outcomes? The answer lies in writers’ difficulty in assessing the quality of their processes and documents. But now the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) has published universally agreed-on principles for creating plain language documents: Plain language – Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines (ISO 24495-1). Having an international standard means that everyone can now work from the same understanding and reduce reader pain.

The new ISO standard helps writers communicate clearly

The International Plain Language Federation defines a best-practice document as having  wording, structure, and design ‘so clear that the intended audience can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information.’ The ISO provides principles, guidelines and techniques to help writers meet best practice and overcome challenges in the workplace.

The ISO helps organisations define best practice and achieve it 

Extensive studies have shown that writing in plain language saves time and money for readers and organisations. Plain language increases productivity, promotes customer engagement and produces better outcomes. It builds trust because readers prefer plain communication. It also helps corporations show their commitment to inclusivity, because plain language is ‘accessible, ethical, trustworthy and practical’.

Plain language makes government advice accessible for everyone

Inclusivity and fairness are critical for governments, explaining why agencies such as Services Australia have already adopted accessible communications as their standard and Victoria has mandated an accessible communication policy.

In Australia, adopting the standard is voluntary unless legislation requires you to. But the World Trade Organisation requires governments to base their national regulations on standards such as those the ISO has published.

This means that legislators can use the standard as a starting point for a plain language act in Australia, following in the footsteps of the US and Sweden. It’s important to remember that readers might understand the wording, structure and design as independent elements. But their comprehension of the whole document will suffer if all these elements do not work together (ISO 24495-1:2023(E), p 9).

All benefit from improved communication

This includes people better understanding their rights and responsibilities in all aspects of life: from privacy statements and product instructions to laws and contracts.

For people who write at work, the standard is a more practical resource, helping boost behaviour and culture change, professional legitimacy and authority for decisions.

We can help you meet the new ISO standards

Our training and editing services make meeting ISO standards feel less overwhelming and improve relationships with your clients and colleagues.

As Australia’s leading plain language company, we deliver hundreds of training courses every year. Our participants come away with vastly improved writing skills and a newfound enthusiasm for communicating with clarity and precision.

We also provide expert plain language consulting and editing services that can radically improve specific documents or help you to transform your whole writing culture.

Start small with our free plain language resources. Or contact us for help meeting the international standard.