In today’s business landscape, outcomes are predicted to decline if companies don’t invest in accessibility. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and diverse, companies that fail to invest in DEI risk losing out on business and retaining employees. This is particularly true when it comes to accessibility, where a lack of attention to the needs of people with disabilities can lead to significant consequences.
According to a new study conducted by Forrester Consulting and commissioned by Inclusively, a leading disability inclusion platform, businesses that fail to invest in accessibility will experience a decline in business outcomes. The study reported 70% of respondents saying DEI initiatives are driven by employees, leadership, or both. Additionally, 71% said their firm aims to hire a diverse workforce.
The study also found that a lack of accessibility negatively impacts both employees and customers. For example, employees with disabilities are more likely to experience discrimination, leading to lower job satisfaction and productivity. Customers with disabilities also face significant barriers to accessing products and services, leading to lost revenue and decreased customer loyalty.
So, what can companies do to improve their DEI and accessibility practices? The study provides several actionable steps that businesses can learn including:
- How DEI has become a business necessity
- Why current hiring practices will never achieve DEI disability goals
- Actions organizations can take to improve DEI and accessibility practices
The Inclusively study provides a clear roadmap for companies to improve their DEI and accessibility practices. By prioritizing accessibility in product and design, educating employees, embracing assistive technology, and more companies can create a more inclusive workplace and improve business outcomes.