As technology continues to proliferate and impact every part of our lives, the NewWorkTech project is redefining notions of inclusion by altering how all people engage with the employment sector. NewWorkTech EU project, Led by Professor Maija Hirvonen, is a joint effort between universities, research institutions, and advocacy bodies to provide innovative and inclusive workplace solutions through advanced technologies. Focusing domain-specific applications such as assistive technologies, AI, XR, and robotics puts NewWorkTech as a forerunner in inclusive workspaces. The project is coordinated by Plural’s NewWorkTech team and the TAUCHI Research Centre, which spearheads human-centered design and interaction between people and technology. A part of the work of the TAUCHI Research Center also guarantees that technological innovations serve practical purposes such as multimodal interaction and use of technology by people with different abilities, which focuses on enhancing the inclusiveness of workplace solutions.
The mission of NewWorkTech rests, first and foremost, on multimodal interaction, accessibility, and co-creation with disability users. The project is spread over many European universities and institutions, each contributing their part. For example, the University of Oulu is devising innovative ways to evaluate users’ experiences, while the University of Copenhagen concentrates on the work practices of disabled people. These insights are crucial for workplace technology design to meet different people’s requirements.
One of the highlights of the NewWorkTech kickoff event was the presentation of different viewpoints on the role of technologies in supporting different groups of employees who are oftentimes sidelined from many aspects of the workforce. Elina Tapio and Jarkko Keränen, from Raami Training, presented their innovative work with Deaf coaches to improve video-mediated communication. Their strategy, which optimizes interaction environments and uses balletic coordination along with an emphasis on attention and involvement, illustrates the delicate balance between using specialized technology and improving accessibility.
Stepping into the sphere of captivating topics was Aart-Jan Riekhoff who explained the consequences of population aging on disability, pension, and employment. He argued the case of the companies needing to embrace new technologies that aid older workers and people with disabilities, enabling their contribution to society beyond the workforce. This was a common refrain throughout the event as it stressed the need to design environments that are enabling for every individual irrespective of factors like economic activity, age, or ability.
Aside from these presentations, Marko Jääskeläinen from Accessia Consulting put the accent on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the working environment and the ways of operationalizing these in organizations. The session also saw the participation of Roberta Lulli from the European Disability Forum who presented the DATA Project aimed at improving digital competencies, assistive technology, and job accommodations for disabled people in Europe.
From the onset, it was clear to every participant that the theme of the event was how technology can bring innovation and inclusiveness to the business environment. The incorporation of AI, assistive technologies, and universal design principles served the project’s purpose of assisting workers with disabilities. Nevertheless, as Heta Pukki of Autistic Spectrum Finland pointed out, it is critical that the focus is shifted from short-term projects to scalable solutions that can provide sustainable transformation.
When the event ended, it was apparent that NewWorkTech is more than a scientific research project, but a movement that seeks to change how work is done in the future. The project’s focus on co-creation, engagement, practicality, and collaboration among stakeholders casts much optimism for a workplace where everyone irrespective of their capabilities can participate. The constant endeavor towards a more inclusive workplace suggests that the NewWorkTech project is laying the groundwork for a time when technology assists people rather than disables them, thereby promoting equal opportunities in the job market.
The NewWorkTech kickoff event demonstrated that with the right tools, knowledge, and commitment to inclusivity, we can create a world of work that celebrates diversity and fosters equality for everyone.
Kommentit