Building a More Inclusive Workplace: Humak’s Accessibility Training Success Through Climate Engine

Within the Climate Engine project, Humak’s specialists developed “Accessibility as part of a responsible workplace”, an online training course designed to strengthen staff understanding of accessibility and its connection to sustainability and responsibility. The course was designed to make accessibility approachable and relevant for all employees, regardless of their role. Rather than focusing solely on legislation or technical requirements, it connected accessibility with broader themes of responsibility, sustainability, inclusion, and workplace culture. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own practices, learn from colleagues’ perspectives, and consider how accessibility can be strengthened in everyday situations. The course has been completed by 42 employees so far and has received highly positive feedback.

Participants reported gaining a broader understanding of accessibility, recognising its role not only in physical and digital environments, but also in communication, participation and workplace culture. The impact of the initiative was also recognised on an organisational level when the developers of the course (Climate Engine partners from Humak) received Humak's first Sustainability and Responsibility Award. The award acknowledged their work in creating a practical tool that supports accessibility competence across the organisation.

How Climate Engine contributed to or enabled this success

The Climate Engine project provided the framework and development environment to turn an idea into a lasting organisational practice. In addition, the project offered an opportunity to examine accessibility through the lens of social sustainability. A sustainable society is not built solely through environmental solutions, but it also requires inclusion, equal opportunities and meaningful participation for all. By promoting accessibility, organisations actively contribute to social sustainability and help ensure that everyone can participate, access information and have their voices heard.

While accessibility is often approached through technical requirements or compliance, the project enabled a more holistic perspective that emphasised these key elements - participation, inclusion and equal opportunities in everyday working life. The project also created time and space needed for developing high-quality learning materials that could be embedded into Humak’s long-term staff development processes.

Impact

Participant feedback has shown that the training programme has helped employees recognise accessibility as a shared responsibility and an integral part of daily work. Many have reported paying greater attention to inclusive communication, psychological safety and the accessibility of information and learning materials.

The course has since become a part of Humak’s new personnel’s onboarding process, ensuring that new employees receive a shared understanding and foundation regarding accessibility and responsible working practices in Humak. This supports the long-lasting impact of the course on an organisational level. As Humak’s HR coordinator Pirjo Hölttä notes:

“Accessibility is not a one-off action but a continuos process of learning and development in which everyone can make a difference. Often solutions that improve accessibility ultimately benefit everyone”.

The course fostered personal reflection and peer learning while encouraging employees to consider accessibility as an ongoing process rather than a one-time task. In doing so, it helped strengthen a culture in which accessibility is understood as a shared responsibility across the organisation. As one participant reflected, accessibility is not only about physical or technical solutions, but also about how people communicate, create opportunities for participation and ensure that everyone feels included.

For further information: Humakin ensimmäinen kestävyysraportti julkaistu - Humak