Partner Spotlight: Zendesk

 The customer experience leader integrates a variety of accessibility features across its product line. As the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) becomes more recognized, organizations understand the urgency of creating inclusive environments. Zendesk is at the forefront of this movement, cultivating a culture that embraces individuals of all abilities. With innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, Zendesk is establishing benchmarks for building accessible and inviting spaces.

In 2023, Zendesk’s dedication to inclusivity was honored with the “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” award from the Disability Equality Index. This accolade not only acknowledges the company’s consistent efforts, but also highlights its commitment to an inclusive workplace where everyone can succeed.

“Inclusivity isn’t just a core value; it’s the bedrock of our culture and a strategic asset that informs every facet of our operations, from product development to team collaboration,” said Anastasia Talton, Head of Global DEIB, Zendesk. “We’re dedicated to cultivating a workplace where every person is valued and respected, a place where the freedom to be authentically oneself isn’t just encouraged, it’s celebrated. Embracing diversity in all its forms, including disability inclusion, not only enriches our company culture, but also fuels innovation and enhances our service to customers and communities alike.”

One of the key ways in which Zendesk demonstrates its commitment to disability inclusion is through the development and deployment of accessible products and services. To ensure products are accessible, Zendesk integrates best practices throughout the release cycle, guided by the Product Accessibility team’s standards. This includes:

• Comprehensive training for all product-related staff, including designers, engineers, and writers, emphasizes assistive technology and the importance of considering the end-user’s experience.
• The use of Garden, the company’s design system, for an accessible foundation, and rigorously testing products with both manual and automated methods.
• Regular research with users of assistive technology informs our improvement priorities, while systematic tracking of progress and third-party audits help maintain high standards.
• Actively seek and value customer feedback to enhance our offerings.

“Our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is deliberate and carefully considered, extending to the universal accessibility of our products. We regard this responsibility not just as a legal formality but as a moral obligation and a fundamental component of our business philosophy,” said Paxton Cooper, SVP Product Management at Zendesk. “Developing accessible products empowers people worldwide to maximize the benefits of our technology, regardless of their abilities. Our resolve to be at the forefront of disability inclusion goes well beyond simply meeting standards. We’re committed to embedding accessibility into our product design from the outset, breaking down barriers and cultivating a more equitable digital world for all.”

Zendesk’s ongoing commitment to delivering accessible products not only aligns with the mission to improve customer service experiences for all but also propels disability inclusion worldwide. By joining forces, a more inclusive future is being built where individuals of all abilities can engage, contribute, and flourish.