Hello HR... Why Hearing Loss Support Should Be On Your Radar!

Hearing loss affects approximately 12 million people in the UK, and its prevalence increases significantly as people age. Guess what? We are living longer; you know that, so don't be shocked that this will become something you need to be more aware of!

According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), 40% of individuals over 50 experience hearing difficulties, rising to 70% for those over 70.

Ensuring workplaces are inclusive of employees with hearing challenges is essential to tapping into this talent pool.

While hearing loss is officially classified as a disability when it significantly impacts daily life, there remains a gap in workplace inclusivity for these individuals. Hearing loss can impact not only how people work but also how they find and apply for job roles and how they get to and from work!

Many employees with hearing loss may hesitate to disclose their condition at work. Culture is key! Do I feel like I can discuss this without fear of losing respect or, worse, my job?

Raising awareness and providing education around hearing disabilities at ALL organisational levels can help the conversation and bring you closer to a more inclusive culture.

Oh, and when delivering changes and even when you are disseminating knowledge, is that being done in a way that includes? So often, we get the desire right, but the delivery is wrong.

As companies strive to build diverse and inclusive work environments, considering the needs of employees with hearing loss should be a priority.

A supportive culture benefits everyone, ensuring that no talent is left behind due to accessibility barriers. By taking proactive steps, employers can promote greater inclusion, improve workplace morale, and access a broader talent pool.

Key Takeaways:

• Ensure accessible recruitment processes to attract talent with hearing loss.
• Create an open environment that encourages staff to disclose their needs.
• Provide training on deaf awareness and make communication adjustments.
• Promote external and internal initiatives that support hearing inclusivity.

By taking these measures, businesses can better support employees with hearing difficulties, ensuring that inclusivity is built into the very foundation of workplace culture.

For more information about how we can help, please visit https://visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/workplace-assessments/hearing-loss-workplace-assessment/

#HearingLoss #HumanResources #HRLeadership #WorkplaceAssessments