TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR ENSURING DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY IN THE WORKPLACE
Sažetak
Digital accessibility in the workplace is essential for creating an inclusive environment where all employees can fully participate. Trends include AI-powered accessibility solutions, voice user interfaces (VUI), mobile accessibility, inclusive design practices, and adhering to global accessibility standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Inclusive design goes beyond accessibility compliance, considering diverse user needs from the start of the design process. Global accessibility standards are increasingly adopted to ensure a consistent and globally inclusive digital workplace. Best practices for promoting digital accessibility include accessibility training for all employees, active involvement of people with disabilities in user testing, creating accessible documents, choosing collaboration and communication tools, conducting regular accessibility audits, designing and maintaining internal websites and intranet platforms, establishing clear accessibility policies and guidelines, implementing employee feedback mechanisms, and ensuring leadership commitment to fostering a culture of accessibility. Organizations can create a digital workplace that is not only accessible but also promotes a more inclusive and diverse work environment. In this regard, the paper aims to explore the global trends and good practices related to digital accessibility by deriving recommendations for ensuring digital accessibility in the workplace.
Reference
Abascal, J., Arrue, M., & Valencia, X. (2019). Tools for web accessibility Evaluation. In Human-computer interaction series (pp. 479–503). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-7440-0_26
Antonova, K., Ivanova, P. (2023). How to Manage People in a Dynamic Environment – Innovative Approaches and Practice. Journal „Човешки ресурси & Технологии = HR & Technologies“, Creative Space Association, 1, pp. 25 – 44
Apple. (2025). Accessibility. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com/accessibility/
Baker, P. M. A., Bricout, J. C., Moon, N. W., Coughlan, B., & Pater, J. (2019). Communities of Participation: A Comparison of Disability and Aging Identified Groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. Telematics and Informatics, 34(4), 92-101
Bhat, M., Agrawal, A., & Barmpas, M. V. (2024). Differentiation, Cost Leadership, or Ending Up in the Middle? A Reflection on the Viability of Porter’s Generic Strategies through a Case Study Comparison of McDonalds and Starbucks. Athens Journal of Business & Economics, 10(3), 217–238. https://doi.org/10.30958/ajbe.10-3-3
Bi, T., Xia, X., Lo, D., Grundy, J., Zimmermann, T., & Ford, D. (2021). Accessibility in
Brotosaputro, G., Supriyadi, A., & Jones, M. (2024). AI-Powered Assistive Technologies for improved accessibility. International Transactions on Artificial Intelligence (ITALIC), 3(1), 76–84. https://doi.org/10.33050/italic.v3i1.645
Campoverde-Molina, M., Lujan-Mora, S., & Valverde, L. (2021). Process model for continuous testing of web accessibility. IEEE Access, 9, 139576–139593. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2021.3116100
Casaca, J. A., & Miguel, L. P. (2024). The influence of personalization on consumer satisfaction. In Advances in marketing, customer relationship management, and e-services book series (pp. 256–292). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-3455-3.ch010
Chetana, C. (2024). Chatbots and virtual assistants in e-commerce: Transforming customer service and engagement. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 5(10), 1521–1528. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.5.1024.2743
Cui, H., & Yasseri, T. (2024). AI-enhanced collective intelligence. Patterns, 5(11), 101074. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.patter.2024.101074
Dobbala, M. & Lingolu, M. (2024). Enhancing Usability for Everyone Through Web Accessibility Compliance. Journal ofComputer Science and Software Development, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.17303/jcssd.2024.3.105
Dogra, A., Malik, K., & Chowdary, V. (2018). Sign Language Interpreter. International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 7(3.12), 990. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i3.12.17619
European Union. (2019). European Accessibility Act. Retrieved from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019L0882
Ferri, D., & Favalli, S. (2018). Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities in the European Union: Paving the Road to Social Inclusion. Societies, 8(2), 40. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc8020040
Garrick, A. Johnson, W. D., & Arendt, S. W. (2024). Breaking Barriers: Strategies for Fostering Inclusivity in The Workplace. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 14(2), 128–152. http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v14-i2/20799
Gaspar, A., Gil, M., Panach, J. I., & Romero, V. (2024). Towards a general user model to develop intelligent user interfaces. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 83(26), 67501–67534. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-024-18240-w
Google. (2025). Accessibility. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/accessibility/
Hunt, V., Layton, D., & Prince, S. (2015). Why Diversity Matters. McKinsey & Company. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/why-diversity-matters
Interaction Design Foundation - IxDF. (2024). What are Accessibility Audits?. Interaction Design Foundation - IxDF. Retrieved from https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/accessibility-audits
Isazade, V. (2023). Advancement in navigation technologies and their potential for the visually impaired: a comprehensive review. Spatial Information Research, 31(5), 547–558. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41324-023-00522-4
Jha, S. (2022). Ethical issues In Business Management. ISBR Management Journal, 25–37. https://doi.org/10.52184/isbrmj.v6i02.116
Khan, M., Raya, R. P., & Viswanathan, R. (2021). Enhancing employee innovativeness and job performance through a culture of workplace innovation. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 71(8), 3179–3204. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijppm-09-2020-0466
Kjellstrand – Funka, S. et al. (2022). Recommendations on Integrating Web Accessibility Courses into Higher Education ICT Programmes. Retrieved from https://iaap-nordic.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/5-iwac-io5_recommendations-final.pdf
Krok, E. (2024). Digital Accessibility as an Essential Element of an Inclusive Organization. European Research Studies Journal, XXVII (S2), pp. 857-876
Kruse, D., Schur, L., Johnson-Marcus, H., Gilbert, L., Di Lallo, A., Gao, W., & Su, H. (2024). Assistive Technology’s Potential to Improve Employment of People with Disabilities. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 34(2), 299–315. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-023-10164-w
Kulkarni, M. (2018). Digital accessibility: Challenges and opportunities. IIMB Management Review, 31(1), 91–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iimb.2018.05.009
Leini, Z., & Xiaolei, S. (2021). Study on Speech Recognition Method of Artificial intelligence Deep Learning. Journal of Physics Conference Series, 1754(1), 012183. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1754/1/012183
Maher, F., Bevis, P. (2024). Unlocking Potential: The Power of Accessibility in Digital Transformation. Consulting Services Limited. Retrieved from https://fsp.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FSP-Accessibility-and-Digital-Transformation-White-Paper-2024v0.2.pdf
Martins, D. (2022). Digital Human Resources Management HUB. European Conference on Knowledge Management, 23(2), 796–803. https://doi.org/10.34190/eckm.23.2.314
Melo, G. L. N., Da Silva Menezes, N., Maciel, A. C. D. S., Teran, L. A., Da Rocha, T. Á., De Souza, C. R. B., & Mota, M. P. (2024). Accessibility issues in establishing awareness on remote collaborative software development. Journal on Interactive Systems, 15(1), 294–310. https://doi.org/10.5753/jis.2024.3802
Microsoft. (2021). The Next Great Disruption Is Hybrid Work—Are We Ready? Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/hybrid-work
Microsoft. (2025). Accessibility. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/accessibility/
Mishra, J. & Painoli, G. (2024). Learning And Development Initiatives: Adapting Human Resources Practices To Upskill Higher Education Institution Employees In A Pandemic. The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Organizational Studies, 19(1), 436-447.
Moreno, L., Martínez, P., Díaz, A., Ochoa, H., & Corsetti, B. (2024). Assessing standards-driven accessibility in top video conferencing platforms. Universal Access in the Information Society. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-024-01176-1
Multilingual, A. (2024). Redesigning Compliance: How the EU Accessibility Act Impacts Online Documents. Retrieved from https://www.argosmultilingual.com/blog/how-the-eu-accessibility-act-impacts-online-documents.
Nguyen, T. (2024). Evaluating Automated Accessibility Checker Tools. WWU Honors College Senior Projects. 805. Retrieved from https://cedar.wwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1792&context=wwu_honors
Nitschke, C., Hult, H. V., & Bigolin, F. (2020). Shared workspaces of the digital workplace: from design for coordination to coordination for flexible design. Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences/Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. https://doi.org/10.24251/hicss.2020.056
Oyedokun, T. T. (2024). Assistive technology and accessibility tools in enhancing adaptive education. In Advances in educational technologies and instructional design book series (pp. 125–162). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-8227-1.ch006
Pandurska, R. (2022). Research of the Work Potential of Persons Through Human Capital Index. Journal “Човешки ресурси & Технологии = HR & Technologies”, Creative Space Association, 2, pp. 16 – 34
Peicheva, M. (2022a). A Model for Implementing Innovations in Training. Journal “Човешки ресурси & Технологии = HR & Technologies”, Creative Space Association, 1, pp. 5 – 17
Peicheva, M. (2022b). Data analysis from the applicant tracking system. Journal “Човешки ресурси & Технологии = HR & Technologies”, Creative Space Association, 2, pp. 6 – 15
Persson, H., Åhman, H., Yngling, A. A., & Gulliksen, J. (2014). Universal design, inclusive design, accessible design, design for all: different concepts—one goal? On the concept of accessibility—historical, methodological and philosophical aspects. Universal Access in the Information Society, 14(4), 505–526. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-014-0358-z
Rakotomalala, F., Randriatsarafara, H. N., Hajalalaina, A. R., & Ravonimanantsoa, N. M. V. (2021). Voice User Interface: Literature review, challenges and future directions. SYSTEM THEORY CONTROL AND COMPUTING JOURNAL, 1(2), 65–89. https://doi.org/10.52846/stccj.2021.1.2.26
Raymond, M. A., Smith, H., Carlson, L., & Gupta, A. (2024). An Examination of Digital Accessibility Within Social Media Platforms: Problems for Vulnerable Consumers and Policy Implications. Journal of Advertising Research, 64(4), 430–450. https://doi.org/10.2501/JAR-2024-026
Restianty, A., Sumartias, S., Hadisiwi, P., & Hafiar, H. (2024). Digital Applications as Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities. ASEAN Journal of Science and Engineering, 4(3), 445–470. https://doi.org/10.17509/ajse.v4i3.74413
Romero-Fresco, P., & Fresno, N. (2023). The accuracy of automatic and human live captions in English. Linguistica Antverpiensia New Series – Themes in Translation Studies, 22. https://doi.org/10.52034/lans-tts.v22i.774
Sarita, K., Kaur, P., & Kaur, S. (2021). Accessibility of healthcare sites: Evaluation by automated tools. In Lecture notes in networks and systems (pp. 625–636). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5348-3_50
Shah, H. (2024). Enhancing Web Accessibility - Navigating the Upgrade of Design Systems from WCAG 2.0 to WCAG 2.1. International Journal of Web & Semantic Technology, 15(1), 01–16. https://doi.org/10.5121/ijwest.2024.15101
Software Practice: A Practitioner’s Perspective. ACM Trans. Softw. Eng. Methodol. 1, 1 (March 2021), 27 pages.
Stefanova-Yaneva, S., Koleva, V. (2021). Digitalization of Training in Bulgarian Organizations. Journal „Човешки ресурси & Технологии = HR & Technologies“, Creative Space Association, 1, pp. 77–95
Teixeira, P., Eusébio, C., & Teixeira, L. (2024). Understanding the integration of accessibility requirements in the development process of information systems: a systematic literature review. Requirements Engineering, 29(2), 143–176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00766-023-00409-8
Tessema, M. T., Hulback, T., Jones, J., Santos-Leslie, R., Ninham, K., Sterbin, A., & Swanson, N. (2023). Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: history, climate, benefits, challenges, and creative strategies. Journal of Human Resource and Sustainability Studies, 11(04), 780–794. https://doi.org/10.4236/jhrss.2023.114044
Ti̇Pi̇, S. K. (2023). How Screen Readers Impact the Academic Works of College and Graduate Students with Visual Impairments. Sakarya University Journal of Education, 13(3), 416–434. https://doi.org/10.19126/suje.1201482
Todorov, T. (2024). Usage of artificial intelligence tools to improve digital web accessibility. Digital Presentation and Preservation of Cultural and Scientific Heritage, 14, 135–144. https://doi.org/10.55630/dipp.2024.14.12
U.S. Department of Justice. (2022). Americans with Disabilities Act. Retrieved from https://www.ada.gov/
United Nations. (2024). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
W3C. (2018). Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Retrieved from https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/
Whaley, B. A., Martinis, J. G., Pagano, G. F., Barthol, S., Senzer, J., Williamson, P. R., & Blanck, P. D. (2024). The Americans with Disabilities Act and Equal Access to Public Spaces. Laws, 13(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.3390/laws13010005
World Health Organization. (2023). Disability. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health
Yokum, C. (2025). How Accessibility as Usability Will Set Brands Apart. Retrieved from https://cephable.com/how-accessibility-as-usability-will-set-brands-apart-download/
ZainEldin, H., Gamel, S. A., Talaat, F. M., Aljohani, M., Baghdadi, N. A., Malki, A., Badawy, M., & Elhosseini, M. A. (2024). Silent no more: a comprehensive review of artificial intelligence, deep learning, and machine learning in facilitating deaf and mute communication. Artificial Intelligence Review, 57(7). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10462-024-10816-0
Zoom Communications. (2025). Accessibility. Retrieved from https://zoom.us/accessibility.