Affordable Ways to Make Your Workplace More Inclusive for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Employees
When people think about making their workplace more inclusive, they often assume it means investing in expensive technology or undertaking major office changes.
In reality, some of the most effective improvements cost very little, to nothing at all.
Here are some practical ways to create a more inclusive working environment without stretching your budget.
Start with some simple workplace adjustments
Supporting employees with hearing loss often begins by improving everyday communication rather than purchasing new equipment.
Some easy low-cost changes include:
- Add soft furnishings, plants or acoustic panels to reduce echo and background noise
- Position desks away from noisy machinery, printers or busy walkways where possible
- Encourage one person to speak at a time during meetings and discussions
- Encourage all employees to be mindful of communication styles, for example not covering their mouth or facing away when speaking to a colleague
- Make meeting agendas and notes available before and after discussions
- Ask employees what communication methods work best for them - rather than making assumptions
Small adjustments like these can make conversations less tiring, meetings easier to follow, and workplaces more inclusive for everyone - and most of them won’t cost a penny!
Raise awareness with a low-cost visual reminder
Creating an inclusive culture isn't just about changing the physical environment, it's about encouraging inclusive communication habits across the whole team.
Our Top Tips for Communication poster is an inexpensive resource designed to do exactly that.
Ideal for meeting rooms, reception areas, staff rooms and shared offices, it provides practical reminders that encourage colleagues to communicate more clearly and considerately every day.
Sometimes, a simple visual prompt is all it takes to help create lasting positive habits.
When assistive technology can help
As brilliant as they are, sometimes the simpler changes alone aren't quite enough. That's where assistive technology can help bridge the gap.
Sounds expensive? There are plenty of ways to keep the costs down!
Nearly new (ex-demonstration) equipment
Every so often, we have ex-demonstration products available at reduced prices.
These products have typically been used for demonstrations, training sessions or educational videos, but they’re fully tested and offer the same great performance as new equipment.
If you’re requesting a quote, simply ask our team whether we have any suitable ex-demonstration equipment currently available.
Save money with bundled systems
Some products work even better together.
For example, larger meeting rooms often benefit from linking multiple Roger Table Mics together to create wider microphone coverage.
Our ready-made bundle of two Roger Table Mic transmitters currently includes a saving of over £770 when compared with buying individually, making it a cost-effective solution for larger meeting spaces.
Get more from the equipment you already own
If you're already using a Phonak Roger microphone, you may not need to invest in a completely new setup for speech-to-text.
Adding a Roger Neckloop to an existing Roger microphone system can provide high-quality audio input for dictation into Microsoft Word, Outlook and other transcription software and apps.
It's a simple, lower-cost way to get even more value from equipment you already have.
Learn more about the Roger Neckloop >>
Don't overlook VAT relief
Many assistive technology products may qualify for VAT Relief when purchased by, or on behalf of, a disabled person.
When browsing our website, look out for the green VAT Relief smiley face displayed on eligible products. It's a quick way to identify items that may qualify.
If you're unsure whether a product is eligible, our team is always happy to explain the criteria and help you understand what's available.
Finding the right workplace accessibility solution
Whether you’re looking for one simple improvement or planning accessibility across multiple meeting rooms, we’re happy to recommend solutions that suit your workplace and your budget.
Get in touch for a personalised quote and we’ll help you find the most cost-effective solution for your organisation.
📧 Email us: info@connevans.com
📞 Call us: 01737 247571