How to Boost Inclusion In The Workplace

Many organizations prioritize  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives to create a workplace that embraces all employees, regardless of their background.

However, the execution of these initiatives often overlooks a crucial aspect—accommodating employees with disabilities. Particularly in terms of language accessibility.

As someone who has navigated both supportive and challenging work environments as a deaf professional, I have witnessed firsthand the power of inclusive practices.

Here’s a deeper look into how corporations can effectively implement interpreting and translation services as part of their DEI strategies to support a truly multicultural and inclusive workforce.

A Tale of Two Workplaces

Throughout my career, I’ve experienced a spectrum of workplace environments in terms of accessibility.

I’ve had three jobs where I had full access to ASL (American Sign Language) interpreters and found the workplaces to be exceptionally deaf-friendly. But, I’ve also had jobs where I was the only deaf person and had no interpreter help. Navigating these spaces was significantly harder.

Luckily, making a workplace accessible doesn’t always require interpreters.

At one of my more inclusive jobs, the employer asked if I would be interested in teaching an ASL class. Though I’m not a professional instructor, we found someone who could assist. For $50 a week, an ASL teacher came in, taught the language to my colleagues, and my colleagues were able to practice with me!

Talk about two birds with one stone! This improved workplace communication and made me feel more included.

The best part?

The company didn’t have to pay for a professional interpreter for forty hours a week!

Key Ways To Use Language Services To Increase Inclusivity

Language services, including interpreting and document translation, play a crucial role in creating inclusive workplaces. These services enable employees who are deaf, hard of hearing, or non-native English speakers to fully participate in all aspects of their work.

Here are some practical ways to implement these services:

1. On-Site Interpreters: Provide on-site ASL interpreters for meetings, training sessions, and company-wide events. This ensures that deaf employees can engage fully without missing critical information.
2. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI): For remote workers or those who travel frequently, VRI can be a valuable tool. It provides real-time interpreting services through video calls, making communication seamless regardless of location.
3. Document Translation: Ensure all important documents, including training materials, HR policies, and safety procedures, are available in multiple languages. This supports non-native English speakers and ensures they understand their roles and responsibilities.
4. Captioning Services: For video content, such as training videos or company announcements, provide captioning services. This ensures that employees who are deaf or hard of hearing can access and understand the information.

Beyond Interpreters

Being inclusive of the disabled goes beyond providing language services. There are numerous disabilities out there that need accommodations. And each of these accommodations should be personalized to the needs of the person.

Unfortunately, a common scenario in many workplaces is hiring someone for a job and then realizing they need additional accommodations.

Often, the responsibility of figuring out these accommodations is unfairly placed on the employee with the disability.

This can be overwhelming and counterproductive. What should you do instead?

When working with a disabled employee, you should ask them how they would prefer to be included and accommodated.

This way, employers proactively understand their needs and preferences, and can find ways to accommodate that truly improve the inclusion of the individual. The more we work together, the more inclusive our work environment can become.

Remember, if everyone can’t participate in an activity or meeting, it’s not truly inclusive!

Need language services for your office?

Hands Up Communications can help. Our interpreters, both remote and onsite, are highly experienced and ready to bridge the gap of communication for you. If you need interpreting or translation services to help bridge the gap and become more inclusive, we’ve got your covered.

Our goal is to help you effectively communicate with the world! Schedule here.