Build Trust. Navigate Change is the theme for this year’s National Inclusion Week, which takes place in September.
More than 1,800 organisations registered to take part in last year’s event, and organisers Inclusive Employers are hoping to see more people join in this time round and use it as an opportunity for honest conversations about gender, race, religion, LGBTQ+, disability, carers, and social mobility.
Inclusive Employers say that the theme recognises the reality many organisations are facing, as budgets tighten and expectations shift. By taking part in the week, companies can spark conversations, inspire thinking and drive meaningful action around inclusion across the workplace.
And the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) hopes companies will use the week to reflect on how they support deaf and hard-of-hearing people in their workplaces.
The charity says that a quarter of deaf people say that they have experienced negative attitudes and behaviour from work colleagues – and this almost doubles for British Sign Language (BSL) users.
That figure rises to 51% of retail staff with hearing loss, 69% deaf, and 81% of BSL users who work in retail. Similar figures are reported by those who work in hospitality (44%, 57% and 77% respectively).
Behaviour includes impatience or shouting, as well as making assumptions about how to communicate with others. The RNID notes in its report: “Discomfort, impatience, being patronised and ignored – all things that shouldn’t be happening in 2024 to people because they are deaf, have hearing loss or use BSL. The implications of living in a society where you believe that most people hold negative attitudes towards you are profound.”
And according to the RNID’s research, only 41% of the general public say they are confident communicating with people with hearing loss and deaf people. That drops to 29% who are confident in communicating with BSL users.
To change this, RNID has published tools and tips for workplaces thinking about National Inclusion Week and throughout the year. They include help videos, simple BSL phrases, communication tips, and webinars.
We support the RNID’s work here, and know that Auracast can benefit employers and employees. Beyond communication awareness and training, technology also plays a key role in making workplaces accessible.
The roll-out of Auracast broadcast audio enables employers to transmit clear audio directly from venue systems, laptops, and meeting room microphones to compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants, and earbuds.
By removing room acoustics and background noise, modern assistive listening technology gives businesses a direct way to ensure many deaf and hard-of-hearing staff can fully engage in day-to-day work activities.
For more details on RNID’s resources, log on to: https://rnid.org.uk/make-your-workplace-inclusive
For more on National Inclusion Week, visit: https://www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk/national-inclusion-week/
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