“At nasscom foundation, we believe technology can be a great enabler and a great ally for inclusion”

With time technology has evolved a lot and it has become a very effective tool in shaping the workplace, driving advancement in promoting equity and inclusivity and much more. It has the power to break the barriers and create opportunities to enable individuals. Nasscom foundation believes that technology enables people and also helps in inclusion. Elaborating on the same, Nidhi Bhasin, CEO, nasscom foundation discusses with VARINDIA about how technology is being instrumental to promote inclusion in the workplace, bridging the digital divide etc.

Q. What are some of the ways in which technology is being used to promote inclusion in workplace?

Technology has emerged as a powerful tool in shaping the modern workplace, driving significant advancements in promoting equity and inclusivity. In an era where diversity and inclusion are ever more important, technology plays a crucial role in dismantling barriers and creating opportunities to empower individuals with their unique needs. From enabling inclusive hiring practices to empowering the underrepresented with proper tools, technology has the power to transform the workplace by bridging gaps and levelling the playing field. At nasscom foundation, we believe technology can be a great enabler and a great ally for inclusion. Technology has helped development become more inclusive. It is with this belief that we have been working towards making technology accessible to all as we know that to create impact on scale, we need to reach the last mile for inclusive growth.

At nasscom foundation, we are proud to have achieved gender parity, with a greater representation of women compared to men, fostering an inclusive environment. Moreover, our initiatives are also designed to ensure that technology is accessible to all, empowering communities and serving as a powerful ally for inclusion.

Here are some effective ways in which technology is being utilized to promote inclusion in the workplace:

Assistive Technologies: Assistive products and technologies are instrumental in supporting employees with disabilities or mental health conditions. They provide necessary accommodations and support to help individuals complete tasks and fully participate in the workplace. Some of the assistive tech solutions that are shaping a more inclusive and accessible future for all include Dextroware Devices, a head-wearable device that enables hands-free control of computers and smartphones, NeoMotion which creates transformative products for wheelchair users, Kibo (Knowledge in a Box) an AI-powered patented technology solution that makes that makes education and employment inclusive and accessible for the blind and visually impaired community.

Embracing VR and AR: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are being harnessed to revolutionize various aspects of the workplace. These immersive technologies can transform the interview process, streamline onboarding and job training, and facilitate ongoing employee development programs. By creating digital environments, VR and AR enable companies to provide inclusive experiences for all candidates and employees.

Caption Support in Video Calling Platforms: Video calling platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet have introduced caption support features, specifically benefiting individuals with hearing disabilities. Real-time captions enable users with partial or complete deafness to participate fully in virtual meetings, fostering inclusivity and equal access to information.

Collaboration Tools and Remote Work: Technology-enabled collaboration tools and remote work solutions have become increasingly important in promoting inclusivity. They allow individuals to work from anywhere, accommodating diverse needs and circumstances. Remote work arrangements can provide flexibility for employees with caregiving responsibilities, disabilities, or other challenges, ensuring they can contribute effectively to the workforce.

Accessibility Features in Software and Applications: Organizations are increasingly integrating accessibility features into their software and applications. These features cater to individuals with various disabilities, such as visual impairments or mobility limitations. Examples include screen readers, keyboard shortcuts, voice commands, and adjustable font sizes, enabling individuals to access and use digital platforms more easily.

By leveraging the potential of technology in these ways, organizations can create a more inclusive workplace environment, fostering diversity, equality, and empowerment for all employees, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.

Q. How technology can help bridge the digital divide and promote inclusivity in underserved communities?

India is on the cusp of an unprecedented transition, and we believe technology has the power to accelerate this change in an equitable and sustainable manner. Consider how in the Covid-19 pandemic, technology helped us create rapid changes in the face of once-in-a-century kind of odds. So, we believe technology can be a great enabler of this transition and has also helped development become more inclusive.

Digital technologies have opened up a world of new opportunities. Digital literacy has become an important part of education, jobs, and even our social lives. With growing internet and mobile penetration, the potential for wider digital literacy exists, but needs to be realized.

Nasscom Foundation has been working towards promoting digital literacy and scaling in more and more into rural areas because we know if we want to have an impact on scale, we need to reach the last mile for inclusive growth. We began our journey from urban to rural last year. Our programs are moving towards Tier 2, 3 cities and rural areas. For that, we recently launched a digital literacy and e-governance program across 47 aspirational districts across 20 states in India.

Similarly, we also support rural women entrepreneurs including micro-business owners, those engaged in self-help groups, agricultural farmers and artisans in the rural areas. We are helping these entrepreneurs become digitally literate by introducing them to technology and scale up their businesses and become more self-reliant.

Q. What ethical considerations should be taken into account when leveraging technology for inclusion?

While using technology for inclusion, it is essential to assess a comprehensive set of principles that address a company's approach to technology utilization and how it can improve business goals and operations. Addressing issues like bias, privacy, openness, and accountability should be among the ethical considerations.

It is equally important to ensure that technology is created and used in a manner that reflects the Additionally, it is vital to ensure that technology aligns with the values and aspirations of the society we strive to build. This entails recognizing and addressing the specific needs and perspectives of marginalized groups, amplifying their voices, and safeguarding their rights. At nasscom foundation, we have taken a proactive approach to inclusivity by designing our programs, such as Skilling and Employability, Women Empowerment, and Digital Literacy, to reach the marginalized communities, thereby empowering them with technology and generating impact at the grassroots level.

Lastly, greater emphasis should be placed on continuous dialogue and involvement with stakeholders such as the government, organizations, customers, and community members to ensure that our use of technology for inclusion is aligned with their needs and beliefs.