To DEI or not to DEI? That is the question

One of the biggest topics in the HR conversation today, rightly centres around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). HR has done a huge amount of work in this area over the past few years, and yet a glaring hole remains that seems to have been overlooked. The digital windows to our organizations, both external and internal - websites. Websites are the lens through which customers and employees view an organisation. They serve as the virtual front door, the initial handshake, and the first impression, making them crucial in the DEI conversation.

The Accessibility Challenge

Around 25% of the U.S. population are estimated to live with some kind of a disability. Despite this, fewer than 5% of external websites (I'm guessing the figure for internal sites is lower) are accessibility compliant.

Too often technology gets put in the "too hard basket" by HR, but in this case it needn't be. True, becoming compliant can cost in some cases multiple thousands of dollars, but it can also be achieved to a degree simply, cheaply (we're talking about the daily cost of a coffee), but effectively. Just click on the little purple figure on www.ahumkadigital.com and have a play, for an example of what I mean.

As HR professionals, if we are going to effectively own the DEI agenda, I don't think we can afford to ignore this important aspect of it. Speak to your I.T. team, and stress to them the importance of accessibility. Being accessibility compliant not only helps build a positive reputation for your organisation. By being compliant, you also reduce the risk of lawsuits, the number of which seem to be growing rapidly, especially if you're based in the U.S.

Seriously, it's the 21st century, why is this still a debate? While accessibility compliance may be legally required in some jurisdictions, it's also absolutely the right thing to do for inclusion regardless of the relevant laws in the country you're based. In a world increasingly reliant on digital interactions, you can help ensure your websites open doors for everyone, regardless of their abilities.

What do you think? As an HR Professional, are your organisations' websites accessible? If not, what, if anything are YOU going to do about it? Finish this article, shrug your shoulders and continue with business as usual, or take action?

Let's champion the cause of inclusivity, one click at a time.

Share your questions, comments, smart remarks below.

#HRTransformation #DEI #DiversityEquityInclusion #accessibility