Fostering Inclusivity in Your Business
September marks Deaf Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, raise awareness, and promote inclusivity. In today’s interconnected world, businesses have a unique opportunity and responsibility to create environments that embrace diversity and support all their employees and customers, including those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. In this article, we share valuable insights and advice on how your business can become more inclusive in and around the topic of deafness.
Facts and Figures: Understanding Deafness in the UK
Before we delve into the ways businesses can foster inclusivity, let’s first consider some facts and figures about deafness in the UK:
- Prevalence: Approximately 11 million people in the UK are Deaf or living with some degree of hearing loss. This diverse community includes individuals with varying levels of hearing impairment, from mild to profound.
- Employment Challenges: Statistics show that Deaf and hard of hearing individuals face higher rates of unemployment and underemployment compared to the general population. Inclusivity in the workplace is crucial for bridging this gap.
- Consumer Impact: Businesses that fail to accommodate the Deaf and hard of hearing community risk losing a significant customer base. According to a survey, 76% of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals have walked out of a business or stopped using its services due to communication barriers.
Promoting Inclusivity in Your Business
- Accessible Communication: Ensure that your business provides accessible communication options. Offer sign language interpretation services for meetings, training, and customer interactions. Implement captioning services for videos and webinars. Providing clear, written information can also bridge communication gaps.
- Training and Awareness: Train your staff to be more Deaf-aware and inclusive. Offer workshops or resources that help employees understand Deaf culture, basic sign language, and effective communication strategies. Creating an inclusive workplace culture begins with education.
- Technology Integration: Leverage technology to enhance inclusivity. Equip your business with assistive listening devices, hearing loop systems, and video relay services. Consider installing visual alerts and text communication options for fire alarms and emergency notifications.
- Accessible Websites and Apps: Ensure that your digital presence is accessible to all. Your website and mobile apps should be designed with accessibility features, such as alt text for images, video captions, and compatibility with screen readers.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Recognise that Deaf and hard of hearing employees may benefit from flexible work arrangements. Offering options like remote work or flexible hours can accommodate their needs and boost their productivity.
- Feedback Channels: Create feedback channels where employees and customers can voice their concerns and suggestions regarding inclusivity. Act on this feedback to continually improve your practices.
- Collaborate with Deaf Organisations: Partner with local Deaf organisations or hire Deaf consultants to provide insights and guidance on creating a more inclusive environment. Collaboration fosters a sense of community and mutual support.
Join the Movement for Inclusivity
Deaf Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity for your business to take meaningful steps toward inclusivity. By embracing diversity and acknowledging the unique needs of the Deaf and hard of hearing community, you not only enrich your workplace but also open your doors to a broader customer base.
At WrightCFO, we believe that inclusivity is the cornerstone of a thriving business. Let’s work together to create a more accessible and equitable world for all.
As usual, if you think your business could do with some support from a Fractional CFO, please do not hesitate to get in touch at sophie@wrightcfo.co.uk.
This content was originally published on LinkedIn on 19th September 2023.