During the workshop led by Giulia Vela, HR Consultant at Microsoft, students and alumni of the Rome Business School had the opportunity to delve into a topic that is both highly relevant and often underestimated: reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
The session offered not only theoretical insights but also numerous practical examples of how companies can build more equitable, accessible, and inclusive work environments. The key message was clear: inclusion does not mean treating everyone the same, but rather ensuring that each individual has the conditions to express their full potential.
From the very beginning, Giulia Vela emphasized that reasonable accommodations go far beyond complying with legal requirements. They represent a strategic and cultural approach that places people at the center and recognizes diversity as a strength.
To accommodate means to adapt tools, spaces, schedules, and workflows to meet the specific needs of individuals, enabling them to work effectively, safely, and with dignity. When managed consciously, this flexibility becomes the key difference between a truly inclusive organization and one that may unintentionally exclude.
Through real-world examples and personal experiences, Giulia Vela demonstrated how accommodations can take many different forms, each contributing to the creation of a truly inclusive workplace.
Topics discussed included ergonomic solutions and physical accessibility for employees with mobility impairments, as well as mental health support—such as flexible working hours, quiet spaces, and access to counseling services.
A particularly impactful focus was placed on neurodiversity, an area still too often overlooked in corporate settings. Visual aids, task simplification, and tools like noise-canceling headphones are not “privileges,” but enabling interventions that help unlock the full range of human talent.
Parenting and caregiving needs were also addressed with clarity and realism. Allowing remote work, adjusting schedules, or managing return-to-work plans with flexibility is not just a kind gesture—it’s a strategic investment in employee well-being and retention.
One of the most powerful takeaways from the workshop was the idea that reasonable accommodations are tools for equity. They are not extraordinary benefits or favors, but essential actions to remove invisible barriers that limit participation in the workplace.
When organizations recognize diversity and take action accordingly, people feel seen, heard, and valued. This directly impacts motivation, engagement, and a sense of belonging. In an international and multicultural environment like the Rome Business School, this message resonates deeply.
The workshop concluded with a strong reflection: accommodating isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart business. Companies that invest in inclusion experience lower turnover, greater employee satisfaction, and a stronger employer brand.
In a labor market increasingly focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, these practices are no longer optional—they are key drivers of long-term success.
For participants, the session with Giulia Vela was more than just a lecture—it was a moment of inspiration. Understanding the value of reasonable accommodations means gaining essential soft skills for those who aim to lead positive change in the workplace of today and tomorrow.
At Rome Business School, we believe that developing the leaders of the future means equipping them with the ability to navigate complexity, manage diversity, and promote a culture of fairness and respect. This workshop marked a concrete step in that direction.
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