Helen Bentley, head of digital strategy, innovation and experience at EY, highlights the importance of a long-term view in this area: “Business leaders should avoid treating the AI generation as a short-term experience for the organization and instead make it a long-term experience. commitment to include and invest in their workforce.
“With more than 1.3 billion people worldwide living with disabilities and/or neurodivergent, Copilot represents a huge opportunity to empower more people to thrive in the workplace with powerful tools of Gen AI that can help level the playing field for everyone.
The research identified three main factors for inclusion using Copilot.
First, it helps break down barriers by providing real-time assistance and adaptive support for complex tasks.
Second, it improves productivity by reducing task-related anxieties and enabling strength-focused work.
Finally, it provides fulfillment by saving time and creating efficiency, allowing employees to focus on meaningful work.
These results align with the broader benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot seen across various industries.
The tool has also been shown to improve productivity by streamlining routine tasks, improving content quality, and facilitating data-driven insights.
For employees with disabilities or neurodivergence, these benefits can be especially impactful, leveling the playing field and allowing them to showcase their unique strengths.
Supporting the workforce of tomorrow
Microsoft also highlighted the changing demographics of the workforce.
More than half of Gen Z respondents identify as neurodivergent, a figure that could rise to 70% for Gen Alpha.