In the words of the renowned Sadhguru, “Businesses need to stop looking at the world as a market. Once you see that what you call markets are people, your approach is bound to be more inclusive and sustainable. ” How can the digital revolution expand horizons for disabled people in the workplace – and the marketplace?
The digital revolution has reshaped the modern workplace and continues to do so at a mind-boggling pace. In today’s corporate environments, digital innovations influence how people connect, collaborate, and contribute. While these advancements offer immense benefits, their impact on people with disabilities requires a more deliberate approach.
Digital transformation presents both opportunity and challenges for fostering inclusivity. Organizations that prioritize accessibility and disability inclusion stand to unlock the many advantages of this untapped talent pool.
- Innovation: People with both visible and non-visible disabilities tend to approach life with a spirit of creativity, having to adapt to the world around them. Their problem-solving, resilience, foresight, and determination characteristics are valuable components of collaborative team innovation.
- Productivity: Numerous studies demonstrate that diverse workplaces enjoy better productivity. Having disabled people on a team forces companies to deliberately structure roles and responsibilities around each individual’s abilities and strengths, which is a powerful way to get the most out of each team member.
- Equity scores: Investors and equity regulators continually monitor company culture and diversity dynamics more than ever before. Disability inclusion is a critical component of these metrics and may impact shareholder value in the long run.
- Reputation: Companies that adopt inclusive practices for the disabled establish themselves as empathetic, human-centric organizations. This inspires faith and loyalty from the public, the supplier ecosystem, and the disabled community as a whole.
Mark Jukes, Managing Partner at Signium UK, comments: “One of the greatest victories of our time should be to change of perception of people with disabilities, both visible and non-visible, in the workplace – from seeing them as a liability to acknowledging the potential that each one brings with them. From perceiving that they are accommodated as a ‘grudge purchase’ to seeing this as an investment.”
How can the digital revolution open doors for talent with disabilities?
The rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace, automation, and cloud-based collaboration tools is changing the nature of day-to-day operations. Employees can now engage with virtual teams, access digital resources remotely, and leverage assistive technologies that enhance productivity. To fully utilize every available tool, executives and decision-makers should consider how various digital resources could specifically improve the lives of employees with disabilities and enable them to succeed at work.
Technological advancements reshaping the workplace
Innovations like AI-driven transcription services, adaptive hardware, and machine learning-driven accessibility features can be used to create more inclusive work environments.
● Assistive technologies
Assistive technologies are devices and software designed to assist individuals with disabilities in performing tasks that might otherwise be difficult. Examples include screen readers for the visually impaired, voice recognition software for those with mobility challenges, and hearing aids integrated with digital platforms.
● AI-powered productivity tools
Artificial intelligence is being used to develop tools that assist with various tasks, such as transcription services and automated scheduling, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with certain disabilities.
● Inclusive design in ICT
The concept of ‘Design for All’ in information and communication technology (ICT) emphasizes creating products that are accessible to the widest range of users, including those with disabilities. This approach aims to integrate accessibility features into the design process rather than treat them as an afterthought.
● Accessibility apps
Accessibility apps are designed to enable people with disabilities to enjoy easier use of their mobile devices and can empower them to perform better while at work, and whilst on the move. These apps can include features like voice control, text-to-speech, and other functionalities that enhance usability.
The shift towards remote work and digital collaboration
The remote work shift over recent years has been a game-changer for employees with disabilities – even leveling the playing field entirely for some. Working from home helps minimize physical barriers and improve job accessibility, ultimately making it easier for people with mobility challenges or chronic conditions to perform their tasks.
● Remote work tools
The rise of remote work technologies, such as video conferencing and collaborative platforms, has enabled individuals with disabilities to work in environments tailored to their needs. Online collaboration also places all employees on equal footing when it comes to engaging with peers, which can help minimize some of the social disadvantages (and anxieties) that people with disabilities often face.
● Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
Another example of digital tools being used to benefit people with disabilities is the implementation of VR and AR in upskilling programs. These technologies explore immersive training environments and simulations, which could allow individuals with disabilities to develop skills in a controlled, accessible setting. These training methods could yield far better results than traditional classrooms or workshops, where those with disabilities may not have the comfort, facilities, or care they need to thrive.
Re-designing the workplace landscape for people with disabilities
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 16% of the population lives with a disability of some kind. And yet, workplace participation remains disproportionately low. In the U.S., only 29% of working-age individuals with disabilities are employed, compared to 75% of those without disabilities.
According to Deloitte’s Disability Inclusion at Work 2024 report, which surveyed 10,000 people with various disabilities:
- 60% of respondents reported being unable to attend a company event, due to accessibility limitations. These conditions often include mobility challenges, not being allowed to bring a carer or service animal to the event, or long agendas with inadequate break times.
- 41% have experienced microaggressions or non-inclusive behavior, with only half of these incidents being reported to management.
- The statement that was found to be most relatable by respondents was, “People have made negative assumptions about my competence.”
- Three-quarters of respondents who have disclosed their disability, neurodivergence, or chronic health condition have not asked for accommodations to be made. The reasons include fears of negative perceptions, past negative experiences, believing the request will be denied, and simply not knowing how to ask.
“In a world where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is such a hot topic of debate, these statistics are concerning,” says Jukes. “In my own experience, the first step toward creating inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities is through open discussion. If inclusivity is going to be made an organizational priority, leaders should proactively lead these conversations about what their teams need instead of waiting for people to ask for accommodations.”
One company that leads by example is Ernst & Young (EY), whose own co-founder, Arthur Young, suffered partial blindness and complete hearing loss as a young, aspiring lawyer. Perhaps in response to this matter hitting so close to home, EY consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to disability inclusion through targeted recruitment strategies, workplace accommodations, and community initiatives.
Inclusion is made a core value of EY’s operation, solidified in an official statement that says, “Equity is about recognizing that everyone has different starting points and different needs. Based on their backgrounds and identities, everyone faces different levels of structural and systemic advantages and disadvantages that impact access to resources, perception, and evaluation, and sense of belonging in and out of the workplace. At EY, we have a specific commitment to advancing social equity. This includes working to remove barriers that impede equal outcomes across different backgrounds and identities – and proactively, continually addressing environments that do not support an inclusive experience for everyone.”
By intentionally investing in accessible office spaces and digital tools, and promoting an inclusive culture, EY taps into a diverse talent pool that drives innovation and business performance.
What’s more, the organization’s longstanding investment in providing learning and development opportunities to people with disabilities sets it apart as a global leader in inclusive practices. These initiatives are also rolled out across mediums and technologies designed to make learning accessible to people with different abilities and challenges.
How can C-suite executives drive diversity for the disabled?
“Those in leadership have the ability to make a truly meaningful difference in the lives of employees with disabilities,” urges Jukes. “There are straightforward actions that executives can take to ensure that inclusivity becomes second nature within their organization. What’s needed is intent, and that comes from the top.”
1. Ensure digital inclusion strategies for the disabled
Companies should prioritize accessibility from the start by integrating inclusive technologies into their digital infrastructure. Additionally, ensuring diverse representation in tech development teams allows employees with disabilities to contribute to product design, resulting in more universally accessible and user-friendly digital tools.
2. Create a culture that values contributions from all people
Organizations should educate teams on both visible and invisible disabilities to foster understanding and inclusion. By focusing on individual needs instead of making unfounded assumptions, they can provide better support while promoting openness in a way that respects privacy. Leaders should ensure that employees feel safe discussing their requirements.
3. Instill policies that support disability inclusion
Executives should implement policies that guarantee accessibility for all people. These could include flexible work arrangements and adaptive technology budgets to cater to people with different abilities.
Jukes also urges companies to make it easier for people with disabilities to apply for accommodations: “75% of disabled people don’t even ask for accommodations to be made for them. There needs to be a formal policy and application process for disabled people to express what they need to succeed in the workplace environment. By making it policy, it no longer feels scary for people to ask for help.”
5. Actively evaluate inclusion efforts
Leaders should track metrics related to people with disabilities, such as hiring rates, employee satisfaction scores, and accessibility compliance. These insights can help gauge the effectiveness of inclusion initiatives and guide future decisions.
New narratives – From disabled to differently-abled
Jukes concludes by saying: “Governance, regulation, and DEI targets tend to take humanity out of the picture. What leaders need to remember is that inclusion is about humanity and the potential that lies within every person. That was part of my own personal mission when working with the Board of Govia Thameslink Railway in the UK, and their industry-leading accessibility team. One of our earliest initiatives was to replace the ‘Disabled’ signs on restroom doors with ‘Accessible’ signs, both on board trains and in stations. It takes us one step closer to literally removing the label that confines so many people to a stigma about disability that simply isn’t true. I’m delighted that this has been adopted by most major public venues throughout the UK.”
If changing one word on a restroom door has the power to initiate change, the digital revolution presents even greater opportunities to transform workplace inclusion for people with disabilities – and on a far grander scale.
C-suite executives have the power to lead this change and ensure that digital transformation benefits everyone. By embracing accessible technologies and building an inclusive culture, businesses can create a work environment where employees of all abilities can thrive.
