Digital Accessibility: The Foundation of Inclusive Hybrid Workplaces

One of the world's leading entertainment services companies has always had digital accessibility as one of its core principles. The company has made entertainment accessible to everyone by introducing features such as audio description and keyboard navigation to cater to blind and partially sighted viewers—something that has allowed the company to gain the trust and membership of 270 million people. So, it wouldn't be wrong to say that what works for customers can also work well for internal customers, i.e., employees.

What Does Digital Accessibility Mean?

Digital accessibility involves creating every piece of digital content in a way that is easy for everyone to understand and use, regardless of disability. This encompasses features like text for images, subtitling, descriptive audio that is different from the main audio, and the capability of using a keyboard to navigate systems.

Digital accessibility is indispensable because it allows every person, including people with disabilities, to engage with digital content. It significantly supplements an organization’s DEI program to guarantee that nobody is locked out of services and relevant information.

In a corporate context where employees work in cross-geographical and virtual teams, digital accessibility means that all teams are connected, communicating, and collaborating. There are several key reasons why every organization should approach and invest in digital accessibility, including enhancing the employee experience, complying with legal requirements, and creating an accessible workplace for all.

Best Practices for Digital Inclusivity

When a British public service broadcaster faced significant accessibility problems with its online content, it redesigned its content with audio descriptions and introduced sign language to make information accessible to all. Today's businesses need a similar approach.

As businesses get back to the grindstone since the pandemic restrictions have eased, it's clear that a major change in the way we work is here to stay: the hybrid working model. But the new environment risks breeding new types of inequality and amplifying those that already exist. To achieve equity and maximize performance while maintaining cultural cohesion in hybrid work environments, employers should consider these four practical tips when designing hybrid policies and managing new work patterns.

1. Provide new hires with the right technology and support to create a positive recruitment and onboarding experience. Implement a virtual buddy system to compensate for the informal learning that typically takes place in the physical office.

2. Use digital tools to keep people connected, bridge gaps, and build bonds across global teams.

3. Promote psychological safety in a remote environment. Encourage honest dialogue and constructive debate, and work to resolve conflict productively. Encourage people to learn from failure and disappointment and be open about the hard-won lessons you have learned from mistakes.

4. Monitor who is promoted and why to identify any patterns that may be sabotaging the principles of fairness and equity.

Long-term Payoffs of Digitally Inclusive Hybrid Workplaces

Implementing an equitable technology access strategy may feel like working your fingers to the bone – especially when working on a limited budget. However, providing fair and inclusive technology solutions for your teams will pay huge dividends in the long run.

While tapping into geographically dispersed talent can help your business grow and thrive, implementing digital accessibility is even more beneficial. It can assist organizations in authentically connecting and engaging remote team members. An inclusive work culture celebrates different approaches, styles, perspectives, and experiences. It helps employees bring their best selves to work, improves their mental health, and ultimately increases the overall productivity of the workforce.

Pave the Path for More Equitable Employment with Digital Accessibility

Making jobs more inclusive and accessible benefits everyone: people with disabilities, parents and caregivers, and those who are busy or undergoing a major life event. Today, work is becoming increasingly digital. A commitment to making remote working more accessible for every employee will foster a more inclusive, value-adding, and productive culture – setting your company on the road to success.