How can you make sure your internal communication tools are accessible?

1 Assess your current tools

The first step is to evaluate your existing internal communication tools and identify any potential barriers or gaps that might prevent some of your employees from accessing them. For example, you might want to check if your tools are compatible with screen readers, keyboard navigation, captioning, or alternative input methods. You might also want to consider the diversity of your workforce and their needs, such as language, culture, or location. You can use online tools, surveys, or feedback sessions to gather data and insights from your employees and stakeholders.

2 Choose accessible platforms

The next step is to select or upgrade your internal communication platforms to ensure that they meet the accessibility standards and best practices. You might want to look for platforms that offer features such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, adjustable font size and contrast, color-blind mode, or audio and video controls. You might also want to opt for platforms that are responsive, meaning that they adapt to different screen sizes and devices. Additionally, you might want to avoid platforms that rely on complex or outdated technologies, such as Flash or Java, that might not work well with some browsers or devices.

4 Train and educate your staff

The fourth step is to train and educate your staff on how to use and benefit from your accessible internal communication tools. You might want to provide them with tutorials, manuals, or webinars on how to access and navigate your platforms, how to adjust the settings and features, or how to troubleshoot any issues. You might also want to raise awareness and promote a culture of accessibility among your staff, by sharing best practices, success stories, or feedback. Moreover, you might want to encourage your staff to participate and contribute to your internal communication initiatives, by asking questions, sharing ideas, or giving feedback.

5 Monitor and improve your performance

The final step is to monitor and improve your performance and impact of your accessible internal communication tools. You might want to use metrics, analytics, or surveys to measure and track your results, such as reach, engagement, satisfaction, or productivity. You might also want to collect and analyze feedback from your staff and stakeholders, by using polls, interviews, or focus groups. Based on your findings, you might want to make adjustments, improvements, or innovations to your tools, content, or strategy, to ensure that they meet your goals and expectations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?