The Sunday BlindSpot | Why Inclusion Can’t Be an Afterthought

Building a Truly Accessible Workplace Culture

This week I’ve spoken with several firm leaders, HR managers, and professionals across different industries. Every one of those conversations confirmed what I’ve seen time and again: most organisations genuinely want to be inclusive, but they are not always sure where to start.

The intention is there, which is encouraging. What’s often missing is the awareness and confidence to turn that intention into consistent, practical action. Too often, workplaces handle accessibility case by case. Someone raises a concern, a fix is made, and everyone moves on. It might seem like progress, but it is actually a reactive approach that puts the responsibility back on the person who is already facing barriers.

The truth is that many people who need support will not ask for it. Sometimes it is because they don’t want to be seen as difficult. Sometimes it is because they have learned that asking for help can lead to delays or discomfort. Either way, the result is the same: people disengage quietly, and opportunities are lost.

The Power of Micro Frictions

One of the reasons I care so deeply about accessibility is because I experience what I call “micro frictions” every day. These are small, often unnoticed obstacles that build up and take a toll.

It might be a poorly labelled button on a website, a printed sign that’s hard to read, or a receptionist who isn’t sure how to guide someone with low vision. On their own, these things seem minor. But when you face them daily, they snowball. They create stress, hesitation, and frustration. They stop people from performing at their best. And they make some decide that your business is simply too hard to deal with.

Micro frictions are the silent killer of inclusion. They don’t usually cause a scene, but they quietly push people away.

Awareness Starts at the Frontline

Inclusion starts with first impressions. It could be your website, your reception desk, or even your phone greeting. The goal is to make sure every person who interacts with your organisation feels immediately welcome and supported.

When someone with accessibility needs engages with you and can see that you’ve already thought about their experience, it builds instant trust. They know you’ve got them covered. That’s what turns compliance into genuine connection.

Accessibility isn’t about perfection. It’s about mindset. It’s about noticing the small details that make life easier for everyone.

Culture, Not Compliance

A truly accessible workplace isn’t built through checklists or policies. It’s built through people who understand how small actions can make a big difference.

When your team, from leadership to the frontline, understands accessibility, you move from asking “what do we do now?” to confidently saying “we already thought of that.” That shift not only prevents problems, it improves experiences, strengthens relationships, and enhances your reputation.

The Easy First Step

Building awareness doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. My Accessibility Awareness Workshop is designed as a simple and practical first step for any workplace that wants to strengthen its culture of inclusion.

The session helps teams recognise how micro frictions appear in everyday situations and how to reduce them through small, thoughtful changes. It’s interactive, relatable, and built around real scenarios that bring accessibility to life.

Every time I run a session, I see the same thing happen. People start noticing the small barriers they never realised were there. They begin to understand that accessibility isn’t about “helping” a few people, it’s about improving the experience for everyone.

The Goal: Confidence for Everyone

Accessibility is about confidence. When people know they belong, they relax, engage, and perform at their best. When clients and employees see that your organisation has already considered their needs, they feel valued and respected.

That’s the culture every workplace should aim for: one that doesn’t just say “we care,” but shows it in every interaction.

If your team is ready to take that first step, get in touch to book an Accessibility Awareness Workshop. Together we can start removing those micro frictions and build a workplace where everyone knows you’ve got them covered.