Make your working environment accessible and inclusive
Making some simple adjustments to your workplace can make it more inclusive for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Consider background noise, lighting and layout
Reduce background noise as much as possible, in both remote and physical environments. Make sure a quiet area is available in in-person workplaces.
People who use British Sign Language (BSL) or rely on lipreading need to be able to see people they’re speaking to clearly. Adjust the layout of the space and use good lighting to help everybody see each other clearly.
Communicate inclusively
From chats in the kitchen to internal announcements, good communication benefits everyone.
People’s communication needs vary, but there are general communication tips you can use in the workplace:
- ask people about their communication preferences
- get someone’s attention before speaking to them
- face the person you’re speaking to and speak clearly
- use clear, plain language that everyone can understand, including BSL users who have English as a second language
- re-phrase what you said if someone doesn’t understand
For in-person meetings, think about seating arrangements. A horseshoe or semi-circle is helpful because everyone can see one another.
For online meetings, video conferencing apps have accessibility features that can help everyone participate.
Learn more about making your meetings deaf aware.
Install assistive technology
Installing a hearing loop or Auracast in meeting rooms can help hearing aid users understand speech over background noise.
Learn more about other assistive technologies that could help your staff.
Support staff-led disability networks
Staff may benefit from the opportunity to share experiences with others who have hearing loss, or other disabilities and health conditions.
Employee resource groups, such as disabled staff networks, can be a great way for colleagues with shared experiences to connect and discuss shared issues in the workplace.
Staff-led networks work best with senior management sponsorship and budget as needed, so that the group can achieve its goals.
For staff who want to raise awareness and make an impact more widely, you could encourage them to share their story with RNID.