[This story has been produced as part of our campaign, #DisabilityInclusion: A Billion Reasons For Change. Learn more about Accenture's Disability Inclusion initiative.]
Workplaces have always mirrored society’s evolution, and the transition to hybrid work marks a transformative milestone. Blending the flexibility of remote work with the structure of an in-office setup, hybrid work has unlocked exciting new possibilities. However, for persons with apparent and non-apparent disabilities, this shift has also exposed unique challenges and opportunities.
For some, hybrid work eliminates barriers such as inaccessible office spaces and exhausting commutes. For others, it introduces new challenges, including feeling of isolation and the lack of inclusive technology.
Nevertheless, there is a silver lining. Hybrid work provides organizations with a critical opportunity to rethink and redesign workplace policies to foster greater inclusion. By integrating accessibility into their work culture, businesses can create environments where persons with disabilities can truly thrive.
Disability Inclusion Benefits Everyone
Many of us don’t realize how our unconscious biases can create barriers for our colleagues with disabilities. Whether someone’s disability is apparent or non-apparent, fostering awareness and understanding is key to breaking stereotypes and creating true inclusion.
According to Accenture’s Disability Inclusion Imperative report, inclusive companies generate 1.6x more revenue and 2.6x greater net income than their peers. Inclusive workplaces inspire increased collaboration, innovation, and a shared responsibility for accessibility, benefiting everyone.
There’s also a direct link to innovation. When persons with disabilities are part of the process, products and services are more likely to meet the needs of a broader audience. Voice-recognition devices, for instance—now mainstream tools for searching—were originally developed to assist persons with disabilities. Or closed captions—originally developed to assist individuals with hearing impairments—are now widely used in videos by people watching content in noisy environments or in different languages.
So, how can India Inc. ensure that the hybrid workplace is inclusive and accessible for everyone? Let’s explore the solutions.
Simple Steps to Make Inclusion Real
Building an inclusive hybrid workplace isn’t as daunting as it might seem. Here are four practical steps to get started:
1. Run Awareness Workshops
Awareness is the first step to change. Disability sensitization workshops can help employees understand the challenges faced by their colleagues and learn the right way to offer help. These sessions help bridge gaps, breaking down stereotypes and fostering shared responsibility.
2. Train People on Inclusive Language
Language is powerful—it can include or exclude. Training employees to use respectful and inclusive language ensures that colleagues with disabilities feel valued and seen. It’s not just about avoiding hurtful terms but building empathy and fostering genuine connections. Mentoring and coaching programs can further support this, helping persons with disabilities navigate their careers while ensuring they have the tools to succeed.
3. Create Inclusive Policies and Support Networks
Inclusive policies form the foundation for an inclusive workplace. Accessible hiring practices, flexible work arrangements, and anti-discrimination rules can ensure that everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can also provide vital support. Accenture’s Disability Inclusion Allies network, comprises 46,000+ Disability Inclusion Allies worldwide and 18,000+ Disability Inclusion Allies in India promoting advocacy and allyship across the organization.
4. Build Empathy Through Storytelling
There’s nothing more powerful than hearing someone’s story. Storytelling sessions that highlight the experiences of persons with disabilities can help colleagues understand their perspectives and challenges.
At Accenture, storytelling workshops encourage employees to share their personal experiences, building empathy and fostering meaningful actions.
Technology: The Game-Changer for Accessibility
In the hybrid workplace, technology can either be an enabler or a barrier. Accessible technology is an important tool to create inclusive work environments. From voice-controlled smart assistants to AI-powered transcription services, the right tools can help persons with disabilities collaborate effectively, making them feel connected.
Accenture invests in adaptive devices, ensures collaboration platforms are accessible, and conducts regular accessibility audits to meet employees' needs. Emerging technologies, such as AI-driven recruitment platforms, are also breaking barriers, enabling candidates to showcase their skills seamlessly.
However, accessibility isn’t a one-time fix. It requires ongoing commitment, listening to employees, adapting to their needs, and innovating continuously.
Why Leadership Matters
Inclusion doesn’t happen by accident—it needs to be championed, and that starts with leadership. Leaders, who model inclusive behaviors, set the tone for their organizations, inspiring teams to prioritize accessibility and inclusion efforts.
A crucial step in this journey is encouraging visible commitments from leaders to become Disability Inclusion Champions. This visible advocacy paves the way for an accessible environment and a true culture of equality.
At the leadership level, inclusion is all about action. Leaders need to sponsor programs, advocate for representation, and hold themselves accountable for progress. This means there is a need to integrate disability inclusion into broader diversity goals and then measure its impact. For example, Accenture’s India Accessibility Council comprising of multiple functions (facilities, technology, learning and development, I&D) governs and drives initiatives to create a barrier-free experience for persons with disabilities.
The Road Ahead
The hybrid workplace is here to stay, offering organizations a unique opportunity to reshape how we work. By breaking down barriers and harnessing the potential of hybrid models, businesses can create a more inclusive, collaborative, and empowered workforce for the future.
Let’s take the steps to make it happen.