April 24, 2024

Building Your Business with Inclusive Design Principles in Mind

Woman of color working alongside white woman in an office setting discussing inclusive design principles

Inclusivity, more specifically the integration of inclusive design principles, has proven to be a notable driver for business success in today’s ever-evolving society. As highlighted by Fortune’s, “Expanding Equity Retrospective Report,” 80% of companies are reaffirming their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). By prioritizing inclusivity, businesses can strengthen their brand reputation, attract top talent, and foster meaningful change in the workplace and beyond. Keep reading to learn more! 

In a hurry? Here are the key points:

  • 80% of companies reaffirm their commitment to DEI, with 90% reporting measurable progress.
  • Talent Infusion supports inclusive design principles and accessibility-driven DEI efforts, offering recruitment strategies and emphasizing Web Accessibility Inclusive Design.
  • Social media accessibility best practices and adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are recommended for enhancing the customer experience and attracting diverse talent.

Finding Success Through Inclusivity

Inclusivity is no longer merely a buzzword. To achieve business success in a society that is constantly evolving, adopting inclusivity practices is essential. The new generation challenges once-accepted norms and values brands that do the same.

According to Fortune’s “Expanding Equity Retrospective Report,” 80% of surveyed companies have internally reaffirmed their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action in higher education. 

Additionally, approximately 90% of these companies report measurable progress in advancing DEI initiatives. These findings highlight the growing recognition among businesses of the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the workplace.

As more and more companies strive to foster diverse and equitable workplaces, the question on everyone’s mind is, “How can I be diverse in hiring?” At Talent Infusion, we recognize the power of accessibility and inclusive design principles in driving diversity and inclusion efforts forward. We’re committed to helping enterprises build brands that champion accessibility throughout their organizations.

Recruitment Strategies for Diversity

Firstly, recruitment lies at the heart of building diverse teams, and embracing accessibility in the hiring process is paramount. By ensuring that job postings, application processes, and interview platforms are accessible to all individuals, regardless of ability, companies can cast a wider net, attracting a more diverse pool of candidates. 

The Talent Infusion platform empowers employers to reach qualified talent from all walks of life. Thus creating opportunities for individuals who may have previously been overlooked in traditional recruitment channels. Accessibility at your fingertips.

Web Accessibility Inclusive Design

But inclusivity doesn’t end with the hiring process—it extends throughout an employee’s journey within an organization. Web Accessibility Inclusive Design is also something to keep in mind. 

Inclusive design aims to remove barriers and enable everyone to participate equally, confidently, and independently in everyday activities. By designing for the widest range of people, inclusive design creates better solutions that benefit everyone.

By prioritizing inclusive design principles in digital workplace environments, businesses can foster a sense of belonging and empower all employees to contribute their unique perspectives. 

A Forbes report highlights the significant benefits for businesses that prioritize inclusivity in their products, services, and experiences. Prioritizing Web Accessibility Inclusive Design is crucial for business success and companies that adopt this practice can experience the following with both customers and employees:

  • Revenue growth
  • Cost reduction
  • Increased resilience
  • Strengthened trust

From providing assistive technologies to designing user-friendly interfaces, organizations can remove barriers, creating an inclusive culture where every voice is heard and valued.

Enhancing the Customer Experience

Moreover, a commitment to accessibility and inclusive design principles isn’t just beneficial for internal stakeholders—it also enhances the customer experience. In today’s interconnected world, consumers expect brands to prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in their digital offerings. 

By embracing accessible design principles in website development, mobile applications, and online platforms, companies can cater to a broader audience, building brand loyalty among diverse customer segments.

Woman of color with curly hair and wearing and apron working inside of a small black-owned shop celebrating inclusive design principles

Social Media Accessibility Best Practices

When prioritizing the customer experience, it’s essential to address social media accessibility. A key best practice in this regard is providing alternative text (alt text) for images. Alt text enables screen readers to describe images to users with visual impairments, thereby enhancing content inclusivity.

Additionally, using descriptive captions and transcripts for videos ensures that all users, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, can access the content. 

Furthermore, it’s important to use accessible color contrasts and avoid relying solely on color to convey information, as some users may have color vision deficiencies. By implementing these practices, businesses can enhance the accessibility of their social media content and reach a wider audience.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

When catering to both customers and potential talent evaluating your workplace for career opportunities, recognize the significance of adhering to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

When ensuring that digital platforms are accessible to all users, adopting inclusive design principles and adhering to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is highly suggested. These guidelines provide a framework for creating inclusive web content that accommodates individuals with disabilities. One key aspect of WCAG is ensuring that websites are navigable using keyboard-only inputs, as some users may have difficulty using a mouse. 

Other important considerations include:

  • Using semantic HTML to structure content
  • Implementing responsive design to accommodate users on various devices

By following WCAG, businesses can create web content that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

At Talent Infusion, we understand that promoting accessibility and inclusive design principles isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s also a smart business strategy. By prioritizing inclusivity in digital spaces, organizations can strengthen their brand reputation, attract top talent, and enhance customer engagement. 

As champions of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond, we’re dedicated to supporting enterprises in their journey to create accessible workplaces that drive meaningful impact and change. Together, let’s build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive online, offline, and at work.

To learn how Talent Infusion can support your diverse hiring needs, reach out today.

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