Woman with Disability Project Manager with Prosthetic Arm

New research highlights benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot for employees with disability and/or neurodivergence

A new EY study highlights the significant benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot for employees with disability and/or neurodivergence.
 
Microsoft 365 Copilot is a secure artificial intelligence (AI) assistant integrated across Microsoft 365 apps, documents, and conversations. It leverages advanced AI and machine learning (ML) technologies to assist users with tasks, enhance productivity, and provide intelligent insights. This includes help with writing emails, documents, and presentations, analyzing data and automating repetitive tasks.
 
As a tool that can enhance communication, memory recall and focus, the study – led by the EY organization in collaboration with Microsoft – investigates how Copilot can support employees with disability and/or neurodivergence by reducing cognitive load, helping employees express themselves and providing adaptive support.
 
Empowering accessibility through generative AI (GenAI)

More than 300 employees at 17 different organizations worldwide who identify as disabled and/or neurodivergent, and who use Microsoft 365 Copilot were surveyed for the research. The EY study explores the lived experience of these employees and found that Copilot has become an essential workplace tool for many, significantly reducing barriers and enabling a more fulfilling work experience.
 
The study found that:

  • 91% view Copilot as a valuable assistive technology.
  • 85% believe Copilot can support a more inclusive workplace.
  • 76% report that Copilot helps them thrive professionally.


Supporting the workforce of the future
More than half (53%) of Generation-Z respondents identify as neurodivergent, which is estimated to rise to up to 70% for Generation Alpha[1]. The EY study found that, as workplace demographics shift, employee demand for inclusive workplace practices has grown. As a result, diversity and accessibility are becoming essential in attracting and retaining talent, with 80% of respondents more likely to apply for roles within organizations that accommodate the workplace needs of employees with disabilities and/or neurodivergence.
 
Helen Bentley, EY Global Digital Strategy, Innovation and Experience Leader, said: “While Copilot does not ‘fix’ inclusion in the wider workplace, it can empower accessibility and inclusion in significant ways. The individual stories we heard show the power of GenAI in fostering a sense of inclusion.”
 
GenAI as an inclusion catalyst
The study identifies three core drivers of inclusion through Copilot which can enable employees to overcome common workplace challenges, building confidence and clarity in daily tasks:

  • Removing barriers: Copilot helps employees feel they can participate more fully by offering real-time assistance and adaptive support for complex tasks such as transcribing and summarizing actions from virtual meetings to enhance the experience of accessibility.
  • Improving productivity: Copilot can support employees with disability and/or neurodivergence by reducing task-related anxieties such as communication and idea expression and enabling strength-focused working.
  • Providing fulfillment: By saving time and creating efficiency, Copilot can enable employees to focus on meaningful work that aligns with personal and organizational goals.

The EY survey also found that 88% of survey respondents feel more productive using Copilot, while 87% say it reduces the mental energy demanded by some tasks, helping to make work feel more fulfilling.
 
Neil Barnett, Accessibility Inclusion Leader at Microsoft, said: “At Microsoft, we believe that technology should adapt to people, not the other way around. This research demonstrates that Copilot is breaking down barriers for people with disabilities, including neurodiversity and improving the workplace for everyone. As a tool that can enhance communication, memory recall, and focus, Copilot empowers employees to fully participate and thrive in their roles. This not only creates new opportunities for individual growth but also fosters a more inclusive and productive work environment.”
 
A long-term commitment to inclusion
The study emphasizes the importance of long-term support, tools and training for employees with disability and/or neurodivergence. Organizations are encouraged to learn more and integrate AI into their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, aligning GenAI tools with strategies that prioritize return on employee (RoE) over conventional return on investment (ROI) metrics.
 
Helen Bentley at EY added: “Business leaders should avoid treating GenAI as a short-term experiment for the organization and instead make it a long-term commitment to include and invest in their workforce. With more than 1.3 billion people worldwide who have disabilities and/or are neurodivergent, Copilot represents a huge opportunity to empower more to thrive in the workplace with powerful GenAI tools that can help level the playing field for all.”