7 ways generative AI is making workplaces more inclusive

Generative AI is often marketed as a productivity tool �� a way to automate repetitive tasks and help top performers move even faster. But we believe its real power lies in something far more transformative: reshaping the workplace to unlock the full potential of all employees.

For too long, digital workplace structures have favored certain ways of thinking and working, often overlooking the diverse strengths and capabilities of today’s workforce. This has resulted in many employees having to navigate barriers in systems that weren’t built with their needs in mind. By sidelining this untapped talent pool, organizations have missed out on fresh ideas, creative problem-solving and operational efficiencies that could transform teams and drive business growth.

Generative AI (Gen AI) is shifting this reality. With tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, AI can help to reduce friction in work processes, automate routine tasks and adapt to individual requirements and work styles �� making workplaces more inclusive and enabling employees to contribute in ways that align with their strengths.

In a , people with disabilities who used Microsoft 365 Copilot said they felt more productive (88%), found that it improved communications (80%) and made tasks easier to complete (61%).��

AI’s full potential can only be realized when it is values-led, human-centric and builds trust. This framework is at the core of how ��㣨Leyu�� professionals help organizations adopt AI with intention and impact �� the same approach we use to integrate AI into our own firms.

We’re not thinking narrowly about automating our workforce, but more strategically about how we can evolve the way we support our people to learn to use AI tools and adapt their ways of working. This helps create more space for innovation, improves quality and delivers more value for ��㣨Leyu�� firms�� clients and business.

David Rowlands

Global Head of Artificial Intelligence

��㣨Leyu�� International

With this approach in mind, here are seven ways Gen AI is transforming the workplace, creating more opportunities and opening new career paths for employees.

Reducing cognitive load and supporting focus
Information overload is a challenge for all employees �� endless emails, dense reports, back-to-back meetings and shifting priorities. For those with executive dysfunction, ADHD or processing challenges, it can be overwhelming.

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AI tools can help employees cut through the noise, reduce mental strain and make it easier to process and act on information. Instead of wading through dozens of email threads or complex reports, employees can:Summarize lengthy emails and meeting transcripts into key takeaways.

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- Summarize lengthy emails and meeting transcripts into key takeaways
- Generate structured to-do lists from scattered notes
- Break down reports into digestible, action-oriented insights

When used as a workplace accommodation, AI technology has the power to level the playing field �� especially for neurodivergent employees who bring immense talent and creativity to their teams but may struggle with certain tasks. Just as it helps to close the performance gap for employees, it can also lift the whole team’s performance.

Christine Norton

Global Alliance Director & GTM Leader, Microsoft

��㣨Leyu�� International

Improving workplace accessibility
For employees with disabilities or neurodiversity, everyday workplace tasks �� joining meetings, collaborating on documents or reviewing visual content �� can require extra steps or workarounds. Without built-in accessibility features, these tasks can make it harder for employees to contribute and engage fully at work.

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With AI-powered accessibility features embedded into everyday tools, employees can work more seamlessly without additional steps. For example:
- Speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionality helps reduce physical strain.
- Real-time captions and transcripts for employees who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- AI-powered image recognition so blind or visually impaired employees can extract details from charts and graphs.
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By integrating accessibility directly into the workplace technology, AI helps all employees gain equal access to information, collaboration and career opportunities.
Enhancing written communications
Clear communication is essential in the workplace, but for employees with dyslexia, language-processing challenges, or those for whom English isn’t a first language, writing can be a barrier.

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Gen AI tools can help employees express their ideas with greater clarity and confidence by:

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- Refining tone and structure to ensure emails and reports are clear and professional.
- Correcting grammar and improving readability for those who struggle with writing.
- Providing real-time translations so multilingual employees can communicate fluently.
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With AI-powered writing assistance, employees spend less time struggling with wording and more time contributing their expertise.
Supporting well-being and preventing burnout
Burnout is on the rise. In the US, two-thirds of workers report experiencing some form of workplace fatigue in 2025, with younger generations facing significantly higher rates. The pace of work, constant digital interactions and meeting overload are key contributors.

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AI tools, like Microsoft 365 Copilot, can help employees manage their workload in ways that support their well-being by:

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- Analyzing work patterns and suggesting breaks to prevent burnout.
- Prioritizing urgent tasks while pushing back less critical ones.
- Reducing unnecessary meetings by summarizing discussions employees can review asynchronously.
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By giving employees greater control over their time and workload, AI can help make work more sustainable for all employees.
Supporting mental health and emotional resilience
Workplace stress isn’t just about workload �� it also stems from interpersonal challenges, decision fatigue and the emotional weight of high-stakes conversations.

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Gen AI tools help employees manage workplace interactions with less stress by:

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- Checking tone and intent before sending difficult emails.
- Providing AI-powered coaching to help employees prepare for challenging conversations.
- Organizing thoughts before meetings or presentations to reduce anxiety.��

"AI isn’t just about efficiency. When used correctly, these tools can empower employees to make smarter, healthier decisions. AI nudges can help employees set boundaries, remind them to take breaks or flag when a workload is becoming unmanageable �� all of which can make a big difference in long-term wellbeing," shared Christine.��

Expanding career growth and learning opportunities
Career growth often depends on navigating unspoken workplace structures �� knowing who to ask, which skills to develop and how to position yourself for the next opportunity. For many employees �� especially those from under-represented backgrounds, neurodivergent employees or workers with disabilities �� these opportunities can be difficult to identify and leverage.

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Gen AI is making career development more accessible, transparent and personalized by:

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- Offering AI-driven career guidance based on work patterns, interests and strengths.
- Providing personalized learning recommendations and training programs for required skills that align with professional goals and make information more easily digestible.
- Summarizing training materials into skimmable insights so learning is more digestible.

"AI is helping close the social mobility gap. If you look at the performance management curve of humans without AI and with it, they’re both bell-shaped. However, the mean has shifted to the right where performance improvements for the lower half of the population is now greater than the top half," explains David.

Empowering managers to support all employees
Inclusion starts with leadership. Managers play a critical role to ensuring that all employees, regardless of ability, have the tools, structures and supports they need to contribute fully.

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AI can also help managers build more inclusive teams by:

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- Providing best practices for managing neurodivergent employees.
- Structuring meetings to bring more voices into discussions.
- Reducing bias in performance reviews using AI-powered analysis.
- Expanding the talent pool by reducing bias in job descriptions and evaluating candidates on soft skills as well as credentials.
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Using AI as a tool for equity, managers can create workplaces where diverse teams can excel.

From AI adoption to workplace redesign

AI isn’t just about automation. It’s about carefully transforming how work gets done so every employee, regardless of ability, has the tools they need to contribute fully. Unlike more typical software implementations, AI deployments require focused intention and careful orchestration to create a workplace that’s more inclusive, more accessible and ultimately, more equitable.��

Inclusivity in the workplace is a fundamental value that drives innovation. At Microsoft, we believe that every individual should have the opportunity to thrive, and AI is making that possible for many, regardless of their background or abilities. As we equip more employees with tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, we have an opportunity to build a more inclusive future to create stronger and more dynamic organizations where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.

Clare Barclay

President, Enterprise & Industry, Microsoft EMEA

Unlocking AI’s full potential requires companies to take intentional action

To realize AI’s full promise, ��㣨Leyu�� professionals follow best practice change management frameworks and use their expertise to guide clients through the implementation process, from identifying use cases to building centers of excellence and providing training. This way, employees not only have access to use these tools, but they know how to use them to reach their fullest potential.��

Build AI fluency across the organizations. Provide structured AI training programs that teach employees how to integrate AI into their workflows in ways that enhance their strengths and minimize challenges.
Reframe AI as a workplace design tool �� not just a productivity booster. AI helps all employees �� not just those with physical disabilities or neurodivergence �� focus on high-value work, navigate career growth easily and collaborate without friction.
Design AI policies with accessibility in mind. AI tools should be treated like other workplace accessibility features �� something that benefits everyone and levels the playing field at work.
Help managers model inclusive AI use. Leaders set the cultural tone. Managers who actively use AI for productivity, collaborations and accessibility can encourage their teams to do the same �� without fear of stigma.

AI is already reshaping the workplace. By taking a thoughtful, intentional approach, organizations can transform AI from a simple efficiency tool into a catalyst for a more accessible, equitable and high-performing workplace that taps into the talents of all employees.