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(This story was produced as part of our campaign #DisabilityInclusion: A Billion Reasons for Change. Learn more about Accenture’s Disability Inclusion Initiative.)
Workplaces have always reflected the evolution of society, and the shift to hybrid work is a transformative milestone. By combining the flexibility of remote work with the structure of an in-office setup, hybrid work has opened up exciting new possibilities. However, for individuals with obvious and non-obvious disabilities, this change has also highlighted unique challenges and opportunities.
For some people, hybrid work removes barriers like inaccessible office locations and tiring commutes. For others, it presents new challenges, including feelings of isolation and a lack of inclusive technology.
Still, there is a ray of hope. Hybrid work provides an important opportunity for organizations to rethink and redesign workplace policies to promote greater inclusion. By integrating accessibility into their work culture, businesses can create an environment where individuals 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 obvious or non-obvious, promoting awareness and understanding is key to breaking down stereotypes and creating true inclusion.
According to Accenture’s Disability Inclusion Imperative report, inclusive companies generate 1.6 times more revenue and 2.6 times more net income than their peers. Inclusive workplaces inspire shared responsibility for increased collaboration, innovation and accessibility, which benefits everyone.
It also has a direct relation with innovation. When individuals with disabilities are part of the process, products and services are more likely to meet the needs of a broader audience. For example, voice-recognition tools – now mainstream tools for search – were originally developed to assist individuals with disabilities. Or closed captions – originally developed to assist hearing impaired individuals – are now widely used in videos in noisy environments or by people viewing content in different languages.
So, how can India Inc ensure that the hybrid workplace is inclusive and accessible to all? Let’s find solutions.
Simple steps to make inclusion real
Creating an inclusive hybrid workplace is not as difficult as it may 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 their coworkers face and learn the right way to provide support. These sessions help bridge distances, break down stereotypes and promote 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 are valued and seen. It is not just about avoiding hurtful words but about creating empathy and fostering genuine relationships. Mentoring and coaching programs can further support this, helping individuals with disabilities advance their careers and ensuring they have the tools to succeed.
3. Create inclusive policies and support networks
Inclusive policies form the foundation of an inclusive workplace. Accessible recruitment 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 important support. Accenture’s Disability Inclusion Associate network includes 46,000+ Disability Inclusion Associates worldwide and 18,000+ Disability Inclusion Associates in India who foster advocacy and collaboration across the organization.
4. Build empathy by telling a story
There is nothing more powerful than hearing someone’s story. Story sessions highlighting the experiences of individuals with disabilities can help colleagues understand their perspectives and challenges.
At Accenture, storytelling workshops encourage employees to share their personal experiences, build empathy, and foster meaningful action.
Technology: A game-changer for accessibility
In a hybrid workplace, technology can either be an enabler or a hindrance. Accessible technology is an important tool for creating inclusive work environments. From voice-controlled smart assistants to AI-powered transcription services, the right tools can help individuals with disabilities collaborate effectively, making them feel connected.
Accenture invests in adaptive tools, ensures collaboration platforms are accessible, and conducts regular accessibility audits to ensure employees’ needs are met. Emerging technologies, such as AI-powered recruitment platforms are also breaking down barriers, enabling candidates to showcase their skills seamlessly.
However, accessibility is not a one-time solution. This requires sustained commitment, listening to employees, adapting to their needs, and constantly innovating.
why leadership matters
Inclusion doesn’t happen by accident – it needs to be supported, and that starts with leadership. Leaders who model inclusive behavior set the tone for their organizations, inspiring teams to prioritize accessibility and inclusion efforts.
An important step in this journey is to encourage clear 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 means action. Leaders need to sponsor programs, advocate for representation, and hold themselves accountable for progress. This means that disability inclusion needs to be integrated into broader diversity goals and then its impact measured. For example, Accenture’s India Accessibility Council comprising multiple functions (facilities, technology, learning and development, I&D) regulates and drives initiatives to create barrier-free experiences for persons with disabilities.
way forward
The hybrid workplace is here to stay, providing organizations with a unique opportunity to reshape the way 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 steps to make it happen.
