With a rise in different accessibility needs, businesses are reevaluating their approach to corporate events to ensure no employee or participant feels left out. This is particularly essential for those who do not speak English or are in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The Importance of Inclusion in Corporate Settings Picture a grand corporate luncheon, where the hall is abuzz with energy. Executives and professionals from different departments congregate, excitedly discussing future projects, laying out the vision for the company, and sharing updates on the progress of next quarter plans. The atmosphere is one of connection, collaboration, and shared ambition. However, amidst this hustle and bustle, there’s a quiet corner. An individual stands somewhat removed from the main crowd. Not due to a lack of interest or enthusiasm but because of a communication gap. This is a deaf employee, who, without an interpreter, finds it near impossible to effectively engage with peers and superiors. They would have ideas to share, but instead they are left in isolation. This happens more than you think. It’s an experience from my own personal journey, and let me tell you, it doesn’t feel good. As a young, eager employee at a factory, corporate luncheons became daunting events for me. I wanted to network. I wanted to showcase my ambitions and my ideas. But instead I often found myself grappling with a mixture of anxiety and frustration. Rather than engaging with the higher-ups, showcasing my potential, I would often find myself retreating to the familiarity and comfort of my workstation. It wasn’t a lack of interest that drove me away but the glaring lack of accessibility in an environment that didn’t cater to my needs. You never know where your next big idea will come from. And as a business owner, if you don’t make it so everyone can be a part of your organization and share their passion, you might be missing out. With accessibility in mind, you can be sure every voice in the office is heard. Why Accessibility Matters for Career Progression Accessibility isn’t just about facilitating participation in conversations, it also directly impacts professional growth and opportunities. Deaf individuals, when deprived of accessible resources, face an uphill battle not just in day-to-day interactions but in showcasing their true potential and advancing in their careers. If they remain unheard or unnoticed, how can they be recognized for their talents, insights, and capabilities? Accessibility in your workplace is more than just bridging communication gaps. It’s making sure every individual has the ability to showcase their talent and expertise. You might lose good employees if lack of accessibility holds them back. And sadly we see this all the time in schools with deaf students in class. If a student was left to their own lip reading devices, they might be quiet and withdrawn, not really connecting with anyone in the classroom. But with an interpreter by their side, they are likely to open up and suddenly you’ll see their personality shine. We sent an interpreter into a school and the student’s teacher let us know how amazing the experience was because the student just came alive in her class. Suddenly a student who had never really said anything in class was eagerly participating! She learned his personality, connected with him, and saw him connecting with peers! Talk about a difference. Interpreters can make a huge difference in the upward mobility and progression of a deaf individual’s life. But without them, that same individual might get overlooked. Companies Leading the Way: The Microsoft Example Some forward-thinking companies, like Microsoft, have proactively taken steps to ensure inclusivity. Instead of following the conventional reactive approach, where companies wait for requests or complaints before making changes, Microsoft opted for a more proactive route. Recognizing the diverse needs of their workforce, they chose to integrate interpretation services into their large-scale monthly meetings. This wasn’t a result of a formal request from deaf or hard-of-hearing employees, but rather an initiative borne from the company’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. The introduction of these services made an immediate and palpable difference. Deaf employees were no longer just attendees; they became active participants. With the barrier of communication effectively removed, these employees could engage in meaningful discussions, share their perspectives, and contribute to the collective thought process of the organization. Microsoft’s initiative not only benefits its deaf employees but also sends a powerful message to other corporations. Inclusivity shouldn’t be an afterthought or a response to requests; it should be an intrinsic part of a company’s culture. When a tech giant like Microsoft leads by example, it paves the way for other organizations to follow suit, setting new standards for corporate inclusivity. Inclusion is a Two-way Street While businesses need to take the initial steps, true inclusivity can only be achieved when both parties communicate. Instead of making assumptions, companies should engage in open dialogue with their deaf employees or attendees. Ask about the resources that would make them feel included, and about practices that might be making them feel excluded. If you are trying to be inclusive without talking to those you want to include and understanding their preferences, you’re doing it wrong. The onus isn’t just on businesses to provide these resources but also on society at large to be more receptive and understanding. When given the right tools, you’d be surprised at the wealth of knowledge, insights, and talents that come forth from individuals who were previously sidelined. After all, progress is a collective journey, and everyone should have an equal footing on that path. Need an interpreter? Whether it’s a corporate event or an employee luncheon, we’ve got your back. At Hands Up Communications we have onsite and virtual interpreters when you need them.
Our goal is to help you efficiently and effectively communicate with the world. You can schedule your interpreter here!