In a significant milestone, Google India has demonstrated its commitment to disability inclusion by participating in the 2024 Disability Equality Index (DEI).
Shraddhanjali Rao, Head – Human Resources at Google India, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “Even the smallest victories can ignite big dreams. Inclusion is not merely a checkbox; it’s an ongoing journey marked by unexpected turns and moments for reflection.”
“It involves growth, adaptation, and learning together, as we acknowledge that the world doesn’t always accommodate everyone and recognize the importance of advancing towards inclusivity.” She added.
Shraddhanjali further said, “At Google India, we are dedicated to this progress. Inclusion is a fundamental aspect of our culture and leadership. While we appreciate Disability for acknowledging our efforts in their 2024 rankings, we understand that this is just the beginning of a much longer journey.”
This annual benchmark assesses companies’ efforts to create an inclusive workplace for individuals with disabilities. Here are the details:
Google India: The 2024 Disability Equality Index Report
The 2024 DEI report, unveiled at the Disability:IN Global Conference & Expo, highlights Google India’s progress and areas for improvement. Here are the key takeaways:
Strong Growth in Leadership and Accessibility: Google India has made notable strides in leadership representation and accessibility. The company’s commitment to disability inclusion is evident in its practices and policies.
Leadership buy-in is crucial for driving change, and Google India’s efforts in this area are commendable.
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Boardroom Inclusion Challenges: While progress has been made, boardroom inclusion remains an area where Google India—and many other companies—can improve.
Only 11% of companies report having an openly disabled director on their corporate board. However, voluntary reporting specifically at the board level is still limited (only 3% of companies).
Diversity Reporting and Supplier Diversity: Google India joins the 45% of U.S. companies that now publish diversity reports including disability data. This is a significant increase from 24% in 2023.
The company also recognizes the importance of accessible digital products, with 71% ensuring that their digital offerings are usable by individuals with disabilities.
Global Expansion of the DEI: For the first time, the DEI has expanded internationally, including markets like Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom.
Google India’s participation contributes to the global number of submissions, emphasizing disability inclusion as a sustainability issue.
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Industry Trends in Disability Inclusion
Let’s zoom out and look at broader industry trends related to disability inclusion:
Technology Sector Leading the Way: Technology companies, including Google India, are at the forefront of disability inclusion efforts. Their commitment to accessible products and diverse workforces sets a positive example.
Financial Services and Healthcare Following Suit: Beyond technology, financial services and healthcare industries are also making strides. These sectors recognize that disability inclusion is not only a moral imperative but also a business advantage.
Written Commitments Matter: Companies with explicit written statements on diversity and inclusion, specifically mentioning disability, tend to perform better. Such commitments drive action and accountability.
Accessibility as a Core Principle: Organizations increasingly prioritize accessibility in their digital products and services. This trend aligns with the growing awareness that inclusivity benefits everyone.
Global Collaboration and Benchmarking: The DEI’s international expansion fosters collaboration across borders. Companies learn from each other’s best practices, accelerating progress toward disability inclusion.
Summing Up!
Over 750 business leaders have committed to collecting, benchmarking, and progressing toward disability inclusion using the DEI. Their dedication is instrumental in driving change. While progress has been evident over the past decade, the work is ongoing.
As we celebrate progress, let’s remember that disability inclusion benefits not only employees but also the entire organization. Google India’s participation in the DEI exemplifies commitment and inspires others to follow suit.
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