How Can HR Leverage Tech to Support Every Employee?

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, organisations are recognising that the right tools make all the difference to productivity.

This is particularly true when it comes to supporting employees with disabilities, where assistive technology (AT) has become one of the most powerful enablers of performance, retention, and business growth.

While discussions around disability employment have traditionally focused on compliance or accommodation, the real opportunity lies in how technology can unlock productivity and engagement across the workforce.

Recent data shows that in the US, only 37.1% of working-age people with a disability are employed, compared to around 75% for those without disabilities. Yet, a global survey by BCG revealed that approximately one in four adults has a condition that affects a major life activity – a number far higher than what most companies recognise in their own workforce. These statistics highlight both a challenge and an opportunity: ensuring that every employee has access to tools that allow them to perform at their best.

The Power of Assistive Technology

Assistive technology (AT) refers to any device, software, or system that helps individuals work more effectively. From speech recognition tools and real-time captioning to screen readers, ergonomic keyboards, and focus-enhancing applications, the right technology can make day-to-day work smoother, faster, and less stressful.

According to recent studies, 82% of employees with disabilities say accessible software is critical to their job effectiveness, yet 45% rate their current workplace accessibility tools as only “fair to poor.” This represents a significant performance gap that HR and IT teams can close not through massive investment, but through smart implementation.

The Productivity Payoff

The impact of properly implemented assistive technology extends well beyond accessibility. When the right tools are in place, productivity, engagement, and retention all rise. Here are some measurable advantages businesses are seeing:

1. Higher Productivity and Efficiency

When employees can work using tools that fit their needs, output increases. Assistive technology reduces friction in day-to-day tasks, limits frustration, and enables faster, more accurate results. This leads to smoother workflows and more consistent performance across teams.

2. Reduced Turnover and Improved Retention

Workplace friction is a major driver of attrition. When employees have reliable technology that enables them to perform confidently, they are more likely to stay and grow within the company. Retaining skilled employees not only reduces recruitment costs but also preserves valuable institutional knowledge.

3. Better Recruitment and Talent Attraction

Companies that invest in assistive tools gain a reputation for being forward-thinking and employee-focused. This makes them more appealing to jobseekers who value efficiency, innovation, and adaptability in their workplace.

4. Innovation and Improved Design Thinking

Assistive technology often drives better system design overall. By optimising interfaces and workflows for clarity, accessibility, and focus, businesses inadvertently improve usability for all employees — not just those who require accommodations. The result is technology that performs better, scales more easily, and supports broader innovation goals.

Where to Start

Implementing assistive technology doesn’t have to be complex or costly. Here are some practical starting points HR leaders can consider:

• Conduct a technology audit: Identify tools already available and where gaps exist in accessibility or usability.
• Leverage built-in accessibility features: Many platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Zoom already offer screen readers, voice commands, captions, and focus modes.
• Engage employees in feedback loops: Ask teams what tools help them work best — insights often come from real experience.
• Collaborate with IT and facilities: Make sure physical and digital environments work together to support productivity.
• Offer training and awareness sessions: Employees often underutilise assistive features simply because they don’t know they exist.

A Smart Investment in Performance

Assistive technology is not just a compliance measure — it’s a productivity strategy. With thoughtful implementation, businesses can empower employees to perform at their full potential, improve collaboration, and strengthen operational efficiency.

The returns are clear: higher performance, reduced turnover, and a workforce equipped to meet the demands of the modern workplace.

If you would like to explore how we can help your organisation identify and implement assistive technologies that improve performance and engagement, please get in touch with us today.