Digital communication | How to make virtual meetings more inclusive

Working from home can be a challenge at the best of times. Throughout the pandemic, employees have had to get to grips with this new way of working and use virtual messaging and video conferencing platforms to communicate with colleagues.

Adapting to the ‘new norm’ has been a challenge for many, though a recent Guardian article pointed towards some research which highlighted the increased work from home struggles for those with a hearing impairment.

The research published by the charity Action on Hearing Loss revealed that three-quarters of people with a hearing impairment feel that they will be less productive when working from home.

In response to the data, Rob Geaney, Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs at Action on Hearing Loss, explained to the Guardian that while many people have stayed connected with phone and video calls during the pandemic, “people with hearing loss, especially those who lip-read or use British Sign Language, will be excluded from these interactions”.