Creating an inclusive workplace isn’t about applying one blanket solution, it’s about understanding people, spaces, and how the two interact. For Deaf employees, the barriers they face at work often vary depending on the industry, role, and culture of the organisation.
At terptree, we believe that true inclusion starts with listening, learning, and adapting, not assuming. That’s why we work closely with businesses to tailor their approach to inclusivity based on the real, day-to-day experience of Deaf team members.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
The challenges a Deaf employee faces on a busy construction site will look very different from those in a corporate boardroom. And each setting will require its own, specific adjustments to ensure full inclusion.
Let’s break it down.
Construction and practical trades: Communication is often fast-paced and hands-on. Visual signals, health and safety briefings, and teamwork all depend on clear understanding. For a Deaf employee, this might mean using visual alarms, incorporating hand signals into team communication, or ensuring health and safety information is shared in BSL or a visual format.
Office and digital environments: In contrast, Deaf employees in office roles often rely heavily on written communication and digital tools. Inclusive adjustments might include enabling real-time captioning, offering BSL interpreters for meetings, and ensuring that video content is always captioned.
The key point? Inclusion must be embedded in the way each team works, not just bolted on.
Why It Matters
Over 18 million adults in the UK are now recognised as deaf, having hearing loss or tinnitus, that’s about 1 in every 3 UK adults. Despite this, Deaf people are still being shut out of the workforce.
A report from Disability Rights UK revealed that Deaf people are twice as likely to be unemployed as their hearing peers. And this gap doesn’t exist because Deaf people are less skilled, it exists because systems and spaces haven’t been built with them in mind.
Building Inclusion Into the Everyday
Inclusivity is about making thoughtful changes that allow people to fully contribute. That could be:
Including BSL in team training
Making sure emergency procedures work for everyone
Providing access to interpreting or captioning tools
Adjusting work processes to suit visual communication
Creating Deaf-friendly induction and onboarding experiences
These aren’t huge changes, but they make a huge difference.
A Proactive Approach Pays Off
When businesses take time to understand the real needs of their Deaf employees, they don’t just meet legal obligations, they build stronger, more collaborative teams. Teams where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to do their best work.
Tailoring your approach doesn’t mean more complexity. It means better outcomes.
Higher retention
Greater team trust
A workplace culture built on respect and understanding
Because when you create space for people to thrive, everyone benefits.
Let’s Rethink What Inclusive Workplaces Look Like
Inclusion isn’t a checklist. It’s a mindset.
It’s about asking: What does this person need to do their job well, and how can we provide that in a way that works for our team too?
At terptree, we help businesses answer those questions with confidence. Together, we can create workplaces where Deaf people don’t just work, they lead, grow, and belong.
