Empowering Inclusive Hybrid Workplaces: Guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission
Kelly Chan | 09 Sep 2024Hybrid working, which involves employees splitting their time between the office and remote locations, has become the new standard for many organisations. While this flexible arrangement offers significant benefits, it also presents unique challenges, particularly in ensuring accessibility for all employees.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published new guidance in September 2024 to help employers understand their legal obligations and the practical steps to take to best support disabled employees with hybrid working.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:
“The duty to make reasonable adjustments needn’t be costly or difficult. Our guidance provides practical tips and advice produced with the assistance of industry bodies and experts so employers can ensure they are complying with equality law.”
Robin Christopherson’s contribution to the Equality and Human Rights Commission guide
AbilityNet’s Head of Digital Inclusion Robin Christopherson, a leading figure in the global community of accessibility and digital inclusion, provided insights for the guide. Robin’s expertise helped shape the guidance, ensuring it addresses the unique challenges and opportunities that hybrid working presents for disabled employees.
Robin said “Flexible and hybrid working can be vital elements in a happy, productive and truly inclusive workforce. This new guidance will enable your organisation to benefit to the full, whilst avoiding the pitfalls.”
The guidance is for employers, managers, and leaders who are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. The guidance includes:
- Practical tips: Learn actionable strategies to support disabled workers in a hybrid work setting.
- Insightful questions: Gain a deeper understanding of how to tailor your approach to everyone's unique circumstances.
- Case studies: Explore real-world examples that illustrate successful inclusion practices.
Access the guidance on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website.
More resources on hybrid work for disabled employees
Free webinar playback: How to make remote and hybrid work accessible for every employee
Get your hybrid working model assessed
Our expert workplace consultants can help you to gauge your organisation’s current cultural state and work with you to prioritise which improvements will have the greatest immediate impact which will form the roadmap for your ongoing disability inclusion journey.
We can help you look at your 'ways of working', which can include the hybrid working model your organisation has set in place. Get in touch to find out more about our Disability Inclusion Gap Analysis.
