How to Use Technology to Create a More Inclusive Workplace
OrganizationalDevelopment.org
How to Use Technology to Create a More Inclusive Workplace
In today's rapidly evolving workplace, technology plays a crucial role in fostering inclusivity. This article explores innovative ways to leverage tech solutions for creating a more inclusive legal environment. Drawing on insights from industry experts, we'll delve into customizable technologies, speech-to-text implementations, and asynchronous video tools that can transform the workplace into a more accessible and welcoming space for all.
- Customizing Tech for Inclusive Legal Workplace
- Implementing Speech-to-Text for Hearing-Impaired Colleagues
- Asynchronous Video Tools Foster Inclusive Remote Work
Customizing Tech for Inclusive Legal Workplace
At Parachute, we once worked with a mid-sized law firm where a new attorney with low vision joined the team. The firm wanted to ensure their internal systems supported her success from day one. We stepped in to help update their technology environment with accessibility in mind. That included adjusting screen reader compatibility across their file management system, increasing contrast in key applications, and setting up voice-command tools where possible. The biggest change was in how documents were shared—PDFs were replaced with formats that worked better with assistive technology.
One key consideration was simplicity. It had to be easy for the whole team to adopt these changes, not just the new attorney. We reviewed their communication tools and made sure meeting invites, messages, and notes could be read by screen readers and followed clear formatting rules. That meant rethinking default settings in tools like Outlook and Teams. Everyone received a short training on inclusive communication. Most people didn't even realize how often they were creating barriers in the way they formatted emails or documents until we discussed it.
The most important lesson: ask early and ask often. Before making any tech change, talk to the people affected. In this case, the new attorney was the expert on what worked best for her. Her feedback shaped what tools we prioritized. I always think about her comment after everything was set up: "For once, I didn't have to fight the system just to do my job." That's what good technology should do—it should stay out of your way and help everyone contribute at their best.
Implementing Speech-to-Text for Hearing-Impaired Colleagues
One example of using technology to create a more inclusive workplace was when I introduced speech-to-text software for team members with hearing impairments. We wanted to ensure everyone could fully participate in meetings and daily communications. The key considerations were ease of use, accuracy, and integration with our existing video conferencing tools. I involved the employees who would use the software early on to gather feedback and tailor the setup to their needs. Training was also important—we held sessions to familiarize the whole team with the new tools to foster an inclusive culture. This technology not only improved accessibility but also boosted overall team collaboration and morale. It reminded me that inclusivity requires listening first, then adapting technology thoughtfully to support everyone's success.
Asynchronous Video Tools Foster Inclusive Remote Work
At Zapiy.com, inclusivity isn't just a value—it's something we intentionally design into our processes and systems. One way we've used technology to create a more inclusive and accessible workplace is by implementing asynchronous video communication and AI-driven transcription tools to support team members across time zones, language proficiencies, and accessibility needs.
We realized early on that traditional, fast-paced meetings or live Slack threads weren't equally effective for everyone—especially team members with neurodivergent traits, hearing impairments, or those for whom English is a second language. So we shifted toward platforms like Loom for pre-recorded updates and walkthroughs, combined with automatic captioning and transcriptions using tools like Otter.ai and Descript. This gave everyone the flexibility to absorb information at their own pace, revisit important messages, and contribute thoughtfully in their own time.
The key consideration throughout this process was to design with empathy. We actively involved team members in identifying the friction points they faced and tested tools in real scenarios before making them standard. We also trained team leads on inclusive communication styles and ensured that our platforms met WCAG accessibility standards.
The outcome has been powerful. We've seen improved participation in discussions, higher employee satisfaction in engagement surveys, and a noticeable increase in contributions from team members who had previously felt sidelined in fast-moving, synchronous environments. Technology didn't solve everything, but when paired with intentionality and feedback, it created a far more level playing field—and that's what inclusion is ultimately about.
