How AI Transcription Boosts Inclusion at Work

By
Daniel Htut
February 1, 2024

Transcription technology refers to software that can automatically transcribe audio into text in real-time or after the fact. Solutions like Otter.ai use advanced speech recognition and natural language processing to generate highly accurate transcriptions from podcasts, meetings, interviews, presentations, and more.

While transcription software has many business uses, one of its most valuable applications is making workplaces more accessible and inclusive. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, real-time transcription provides live captions that allow them to follow along during meetings and conversations. Transcripts also help those with auditory processing disorders more easily understand and retain information.

Asynchronous transcription can likewise open up more opportunities for employees with disabilities to participate. Transcripts of presentations, all-hands meetings, training sessions and more can be provided after the fact, allowing people to read and comprehend the content at their own pace. This increases accessibility for those who benefit from text rather than solely audio information.

Overall, integrating transcription technology helps create a more welcoming, inclusive environment where employees with diverse needs can actively contribute and feel valued. It shows that accessibility and belonging are priorities, not afterthoughts. Transcription tech removes communication barriers and allows organizations to benefit from a wider range of perspectives and talents.

How Transcription Tech Helps People with Disabilities

Real-time transcription and captioning levels the playing field for employees with disabilities, allowing them to fully participate in communications and collaborate on an equal basis with their colleagues. For those with hearing impairments, live captions displayed during video conferences or phone calls enable them to follow along with the conversation happening in real-time. Someone who is Deaf or hard-of-hearing no longer has to struggle to lip read or request people repeat themselves. The text on their screen allows them to actively contribute their own thoughts and ideas.

Asynchronous transcriptions of recorded audio/video meetings likewise provide an accommodation for those unable to hear the content while it's happening live. Transcripts also serve as an alternate format for people with visual impairments who can then use screen readers to access the meeting information. Employees with auditory processing disorders, ADHD or other conditions that make it hard to follow verbal conversations can use transcripts to comprehend everything that was said. The availability of accurate, timely transcriptions gives employees of all abilities an equal chance at succeeding and thriving in their roles. Technology has the power to create more accessible and equitable workplaces.

Real-Time Captions

Real-time captioning services provide live transcriptions by converting speech to text in real-time during video conferences, meetings, and calls. This can be extremely beneficial for employees with hearing impairments by enabling them to read the captions as others speak.

The transcriber types as speakers talk, with only a slight lag between the words spoken and text appearing on the screen. The end result is a continuous scrolling transcript that follows the dialogue. This makes meetings and discussions more accessible and inclusive, as employees don't have to struggle to hear every word or miss parts of the conversation.

Captioning services may utilize software, professional transcribers, or a combination of both. The captions can be embedded directly into video conference or meeting platforms. This means all participants have access to the live transcript, which highlights each speaker change and punctuation.

Overall, real-time captioning enables employees with hearing difficulties to fully participate and collaborate in remote or in-person work meetings. Rather than feeling disconnected, they can follow the discussion smoothly via text on their device or screen.

Asynchronous Transcriptions

Asynchronous transcription creates text transcripts of audio or video content after the fact. This allows for full transcripts to be generated for long meetings, interviews, lectures, or other spoken content.

The transcription takes place asynchronously, meaning it occurs after the audio/video recording is completed. The recording can be sent to a transcription service or transcribed using speech-to-text software. This generates a text document of the full transcript that can then be edited, shared, searched, or translated.

Key benefits of asynchronous transcription include:

  • The ability to get a text record of long, uninterrupted speech. Real-time captioning may only capture fragments or summaries of long spoken segments.
  • Editing and polishing the transcript. Since transcription occurs after-the-fact, there's time to edit the transcript to ensure maximum accuracy and readability.
  • Easy sharing and searchability. The text transcript can be easily sent to others, searched for key terms, or translated using the text document.
  • Reduced cost compared to real-time transcription. Real-time captioning requires a dedicated professional transcriber, while asynchronous transcription leverages software.
  • Accommodation for different needs. Some people may prefer reading a text transcript over watching/listening to the original audio/video.

Overall, asynchronous transcription opens up spoken content to a wider audience. It provides an inclusive way to make audio/video accessible through accurate, shareable transcripts.

Improves Collaboration

Transcription technology allows for more inclusive collaboration in the workplace by giving employees alternative ways to engage in meetings and discussions. This is especially helpful for certain groups:

  • Quieter team members who don't speak up much can now actively participate by typing comments and questions into a real-time transcription service. This gives them a voice without having to interrupt others or feel uncomfortable. The transcription becomes a record of their contributions.
  • For neurodiverse individuals, like those with autism or ADHD, real-time captions can make it easier to focus on the conversation. Some may type responses so they don't have to speak up. This allows them to share ideas they otherwise wouldn't.
  • Non-native speakers benefit from captions matching what they hear. Seeing the words helps them better understand meetings conducted in their second language. They can take more time to compose typing responses, putting them on equal footing with native speakers.

Overall, transcription technology levels the playing field and makes work collaboration more equitable and inclusive. Hearing diverse voices leads to better conversations, decisions, and innovation.

Increases Accessibility

Transcription technology can significantly increase accessibility in the workplace. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, real-time captioning opens doors and removes barriers to communication. Captions make spoken words visible and allow employees with hearing impairments to fully participate in meetings, trainings, and other verbal interactions.

Transcriptions also help those who have auditory processing disorders or other conditions that make it difficult to understand speech. Having a text version helps them better comprehend and retain information. People with different learning styles, such as those who absorb written material more easily than spoken words, likewise benefit from transcriptions.

Overall, transcription technology makes content more usable for a wider range of people. Text can be read and reread, searched for keywords, translated into other languages, and used across various platforms. Transcriptions transform ephemeral speech into accessible, versatile, and shareable formats. This expands who can consume and utilize information from spoken communication.

By implementing transcription, organizations can make their workplace more inclusive. Transcription removes barriers for employees with disabilities while also improving the experience for all. The end result is a more accessible, equitable environment where everyone can participate fully.

Boosts Inclusion

Implementing transcription technology in the workplace is an important way to boost inclusion. When employees with disabilities have access to real-time captions or asynchronous transcriptions of meetings and discussions, it helps them feel welcomed, valued, and able to fully participate.

Providing transcriptions demonstrates a commitment to making information accessible to all employees, regardless of ability. It sends the message that all voices and perspectives are important. The company values diversity and wants to make sure no employees are excluded from collaborating, networking, sharing ideas, and being a part of the team.

Enabling employees with hearing loss to follow along with meetings through captions or review discussions later with transcriptions puts them on equal footing with employees who can hear. They don't have to strain to try to follow conversations or miss out on watercooler chats. Transcriptions allow employees with auditory disabilities to focus on their work rather than struggle to keep up.

Overall, implementing transcription technology is an actionable way for companies to boost inclusion. It's a best practice that helps employees with disabilities feel welcomed, valued, and able to make meaningful contributions. When diverse voices are heard, it leads to greater innovation, creativity, and understanding.

##Choosing the Right Transcription Software

Before implementing transcription technology in the workplace, you'll need to choose the right software for your needs. Here are some top options to consider:

Glyph

Glyph is one of the most popular and accurate AI transcription services available. Key features include:

  • Automatic real-time transcription and syncing of audio recordings. Glyph can transcribe meetings, interviews, lectures and more in real time.
  • Smart search of transcripts. Easily find key moments in conversations.
  • Automatically Generate Contents and Well Structured Texts from Audio Transcription in Seconds
  • Professional plans with advanced features like analytics. Pay as you go with no monthly subscription.

When choosing the right software, look at accuracy, audio/video file formats supported, pricing, and integration with other workplace apps your team uses. Having the right features to meet your specific needs is key to successfully implementing transcription.

Implementing Transcription

Rolling out transcription technology takes planning and preparation. Here are some tips for getting started:

Create a Rollout Plan and Train Employees

  • Determine which meetings and events should use transcription services. Prioritize high-impact gatherings.
  • Develop policies on how transcripts can be used and shared.
  • Train meeting organizers and participants on how to use the transcription service properly.
  • Educate employees on why transcription is being used and how it benefits inclusivity.

Set Policies for Usage and Data Privacy

  • Have clear rules for how transcripts can be used, stored and accessed. Set data retention timeframes.
  • Make sure usage follows privacy, security and compliance regulations. Anonymize data if needed.
  • Allow individuals to review transcripts and request edits/deletions if the transcription has errors.

Get Organizational Buy-in

  • Gather feedback from major stakeholders when choosing a vendor and creating policies.
  • Emphasize how transcription furthers diversity, equity and inclusion goals.
  • Highlight the benefits such as better collaboration, knowledge sharing and accessibility.

With the proper preparation, transcription technology can make work communication and collaboration more inclusive. A thoughtful rollout helps ensure employee buy-in and effective usage.

The Future is Accessible

Workplaces that embrace inclusive transcription technology send a powerful message - that everyone's voice matters. With real-time captions and post-meeting transcriptions, employees with hearing challenges can participate fully in meetings and video conferences. Rather than struggling to follow rapid, overlapping speech, they have access to the same information as their colleagues.

Enabling equal access through transcription tech also benefits employees with auditory processing disorders, those who use English as a second language, and even people working in noisy environments. Eliminating communication barriers allows for richer collaboration, diversity of perspectives, and a sense of belonging. Employees feel valued for their contributions rather than self-conscious about requesting accommodations.

The benefits extend to the company too. Inclusive workplaces have higher employee retention, stronger team cohesion, and a reputation for progressive values that attracts talent. As artificial intelligence makes transcription faster, more accurate and affordable, there's no excuse not to use tech to foster inclusion.  

The message is clear - prioritize accessibility through transcription to create a workplace where everyone thrives. The technology exists to make inclusion the norm, not the exception. It's time for all companies to hear that call and take action. By embracing transcription, you take a powerful step towards making equal access a reality.

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