Accenture’s Disability Inclusion Advantage report shows that companies that lead in disability employment and inclusion outperform their peers. Yet, when it comes to employment in India Inc., persons with disabilities make up less than 0.5 percent of the employee base in India’s top firms. So, what does India Inc. need to do to make their workplace barrier-free for persons with disabilities?
Disability inclusion is central to the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The commitment requires corporates to collaborate with the government, partners, and other stakeholders to find innovative solutions for enabling the active participation of persons with disabilities in their full diversity, and their full inclusion in all decision-making processes. As we continue to strengthen our commitment to equality, structured interventions throughout the employee lifecycle of a person with disability will be necessary for realizing their ability to contribute of themselves. Access to knowledge and skills, practical tools, and assistive.
For International Day of Persons with Disabilities, leaders from Accenture in India, Nutanix India and Marlabs share their perspective on why building diverse teams and inclusive work ecosystems matter, how-create a barrier-free workplace for persons with disabilities, and technology as a driver of more human-centered ways of working.
Sanjay Dawar, Managing Director, Global Strategy & Consulting, and Persons with Disabilities Sponsor, Accenture in India
“It an acknowledged fact that diversity ushers in a richness of ideas and perspectives, which is critical to growth and innovation, and a culture of equality, empathy and respect is vital to nurturing this diversity.
As per a recent Accenture research, in order to make progress on disability inclusion, organisations need to have framework that addresses five key challenges – access, awareness, advocacy, action, and accountability.
At Accenture, we promote a barrier-free culture that enables all our people to bring their unique skills and strengths to contribute and thrive at work. Technology plays a key role. Our workplace applications and platforms are built accessible by design.
We give our people access to a range of technologies and accessibility enablement such as assistive devices and technologies, ergonomic support, flexible work arrangements, sign language interpreters and more. Our progressive medical insurance program supports enablement such as assistive devices.
Our Accessibility Center in India offers enablement services and showcases our assistive technology solutions across vision, auditory, speech, mobility impairments, mental wellness and neurodiversity. It allows our people to experience a variety of leading-edge assistive devices, technologies and customises them for their unique needs.”
Sankalp Saxena, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Operations, Nutanix India
“Diverse teams bring together individuals with different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, fostering a more comprehensive and creative approach to problem-solving. This diversity of thought stimulates innovation and leads to more effective solutions. Inclusive work environments foster a sense of belonging and psychological safety, leading to higher levels of employee engagement and motivation. When employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to contribute their best efforts and go the extra mile.
Training for all employees about disability awareness and etiquette which will help them in understanding the challenges faced by people with disabilities and encourage them to create a safe and inclusive environment. While India Inc has made significant progress in creating accessible workplaces, there is room for considerable improvement. At Nutanix India, we have proactively ensured all our workspaces are fully compliant to these norms and this has further motivated all our teams to embrace diverse hiring practices and ensuring an inclusive workplace. Having said that, we are looking at certainly doing more and are keen to learn from our industry peers on what further steps can be taken.
Fortunately, technology has come a long way in providing digital features such as speech-to-text, closed captioning, and ‘ALT text’ features that help professionals with disabilities overcome communication challenges with their peers in multiple formats. As technology continues to evolve, it will play an even greater role in enabling more human-centered ways of working. By harnessing the power of technology, we can create a more equitable, productive, and fulfilling work experience for everyone.”
Purnima Menon, Chief Marketing Officer, Marlabs
“In a world where organizations must constantly evolve, it’s imperative to stay relevant, motivating employees to achieve extraordinary results. Organizations can tune into this new frequency by enabling a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is time that inclusivity went beyond a mere lip service. Today, human-centred technology enables people to engage, connect, and stay productive in many ways. Whether it’s self-service tools for auto resolution, real-time feedback and course correction, or simply elevating productivity through online courseware for remote employees, we cannot ignore the impact of technology. Assistive technologies like OCR, Adaptive Keyboards, and Braille displays are proving to be of great help for employees who may be differently abled. While in the past, rampways, accessible washrooms, and handrails enabled employees to access the facility, assistive technologies today ensure employees remain productive and engaged. It’s not only strategic but also vital to build an integrated diversity and inclusivity charter and to make technology a catalyst in building and sustaining a motivated workforce.
Inclusion matters to everyone. In fact, a recent Bain study shows how the exponential impact and productivity across organizations invested in diversity and inclusivity. Organizations actively promoting a culture of inclusivity see a sharp acceleration in employee productivity. Clearly, a sense of belonging enables us to be more creative and innovative problem-solvers for our teams and the organization at large.”
Anjali Byce, CHRO, STL.
“I firmly believe that the true strength of innovation lies in the diversity of thought that diverse teams bring to the table. Building diverse teams and fostering inclusive work ecosystems isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic advantage. Diverse perspectives ignite creativity, drive innovation, and enhance problem-solving, propelling us forward in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Creating a barrier-free workplace for persons with disabilities is not merely a compliance measure for us at STL—it’s a cornerstone of our ethos. Our commitment extends beyond physical accessibility to encompass a holistic, inclusive environment. By conducting disability audits, implementing tailored training programs, and investing in technologies that break down communication barriers, we’re setting a standard for creating workspaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.
Technology, in my view, is a powerful enabler of human-centered ways of working. By leveraging cutting-edge solutions, we’re not just streamlining processes; we’re enhancing the human experience. From assistive technologies that empower our colleagues with disabilities to collaborative platforms that transcend physical boundaries, we’re embracing a future where technology fosters a more inclusive, empathetic, and interconnected workplace.
At STL, we see diversity, inclusivity, and technology not as checkboxes but as integral components of a forward-thinking strategy that propels us towards a future where every voice is heard, every talent is valued, and innovation knows no bounds.”
Devesh Amin, Global Head of Infrastructure & APAC IT, Intuit India
An inclusive and barrier-free workplace is not merely a goal; it is the very essence of innovation and success. Through awareness programs, establishment of accessible physical and technological spaces, provision of flexible work arrangements, championing diversity and inclusion initiatives, adoption of supportive policies, and offering opportunities for career development, employers can forge an environment conducive to the flourishing of disabled employees.
At Intuit, we recognise the value of diverse perspectives, making efforts to create inclusive workplaces that accommodate different abilities. In recent years, we have significantly heightened our focus on improving product accessibility and actively increased the recruitment of individuals with disabilities (PWDs). Almost 10% of our workforce consists of accessibility champions (Intuit Accessibility Champion program) dedicated to advancing these initiatives. They undergo foundational training in disability etiquette and inclusive design. This initiative has emerged as a model for other companies seeking to establish an inclusive network of leaders. The program facilitates our employees in developing expertise within their respective business units, delving into subject matters, and placing a strong emphasis on allyship. We have also established the Intuit Abilities Network, which is committed to nurturing the autonomy of employees with disabilities (PwDs). This involves the provision of assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnification tools, reading enhancements, task managers, as well as ergonomic desks and keyboards.
