Lenovo named as world’s top disability inclusive business

Lenovo has been crowned as the world’s top disability inclusive businesses according to the Disability Index. 

The Disability Index is a benchmarking tool for measuring and advancing disability inclusion in business. The Disability Index assessment considers a range of business practices, including accessibility, workplace accommodations, recruitment, career development, leadership, supplier inclusion and organisational culture.

The technology vendor said it marks the first time it has participated in the Disability Index across all eight markets covered by its Disability Advantage strategy. These include Argentina, Brazil, India, Japan, Mexico, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States. 

Out of those markets, Brazil, India, Japan, Slovakia and the United States received Advanced-level recognition.

In previous years, the company said it only submitted a “limited number” of markets to participate in the Disability Index. 

“Disability inclusion is fundamental to building a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, grow and innovate,” said Lenovo Chief Inclusion Officer Calvin Crosslin. 

“The Disability Index recognition reflects the progress we’ve made in embedding accessibility and inclusion across our business, while reinforcing that creating an inclusive culture is an ongoing journey.

Lenovo’s disability strategy

According to Lenovo, its disability advantage strategy focuses on accessibility, awareness, inclusive workplaces and longer-term organisational change. The company said the program builds on its 2020 commitment to The Valuable 500, a global business initiative focused on promoting inclusive hiring practices.

As part of the strategy, Lenovo has been making changes to both its physical and digital workplaces.

The company said local accessibility audits have informed improvements to office spaces, including the installation of automatic doors, lowered badge readers, improved signage and elevators. Lenovo added it has also made accessibility enhancements to its HR Knowledge Base to improve employee access to information.

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While the Disability Index recognition relates primarily to Lenovo’s workplace inclusion efforts, the company said its accessibility strategy also extends to product development. Through its Inclusive Product Design Office, Lenovo is working to incorporate accessibility and inclusive design principles into its products and solutions.

“Through our Disability Advantage Strategy, we’re helping ensure our employees, customers and communities benefit from technology and workplaces designed for everyone,” Crosslin said.

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