There are many benefits to employing people with disability. Inclusive hiring practices and accessible work environments not only improve staff morale and work culture but also send out a welcoming message to everyone.
Below you’ll find a more in-depth explanation of these benefits. But first, let’s clarify what disability diversity means.
What is disability diversity in the workplace?
Disability diversity in the workplace is about creating an inclusive environment accommodating all employees. It’s about ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Right from the hiring process, you need to break down any barriers that could prevent people with disabilities from applying. This includes making job descriptions and applications accessible, providing reasonable accommodations during the interview process and offering competitive salaries and benefits.
Disability diversity in the workplace also applies to company events. For example, if you’re holding a networking event at a bar after work, ensure the venue is accessible to everyone.
It’s important to recognise the skills an individual will bring to the role and the team rather than focusing on any differences they might have. Inclusivity goes beyond creating equal employment opportunities; we must also value the perspective and abilities that different individuals with disabilities bring to their field.
How diversity strengthens your organisation
You’ll always recruit the best talent
The pool of potential employees is filled with all sorts of individuals, each with their own backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If your hiring processes are not accessible, you may be excluding excellent talent before they have a chance to work with you. By being inclusive, you have access to a broader range of candidates.
Diverse perspectives can breed creativity and new ways of looking at problems, all of which can make for a better working environment.
Diversity improves innovation and collaboration
By employing people with different backgrounds, races, genders and abilities, your company is signalling to your employees that you value differences and are open to all perspectives. This can create a more innovative and collaborative work environment, as employees feel free to share their ideas.
Also, when you have people from different backgrounds and perspectives working together, they’re more likely to come up with new and innovative ideas because your employees have a wider range of options. It can also lead to better problem-solving and decision-making. People from different backgrounds are more likely to challenge assumptions, ask questions and identify potential problems.
Lastly, you reduce biases that could hinder growth and creativity by showing acceptance of differences. When people are more likely to trust and respect each other, it leads to better collaboration.
Inclusion offers everyone opportunities for personal and professional growth
When a workplace accepts and respects employees with disability, it creates a positive model for everyone to be more inclusive. Colleagues learn to better understand and communicate with a diverse range of people. This is a valuable skill that can help everyone not only in their careers but also in their personal lives.
An inclusive workplace allows everyone to learn from each other and grow.
An inclusive workplace creates a positive, welcoming environment
An inclusive workplace is good not only for your employees but also for your clients and customers. When people see that your company embraces diversity, they’re more likely to do business with you. People want to work with and buy from companies that share their values.
It also shows that your organisation values the success of all individuals for their strengths and embraces their differences—be they visible or invisible. This sends an important message to all your employees, as well as your clients and customers.
Inclusion builds morale among all employees
In one study, researchers asked 59 employers about the impact of an inclusive workplace, and the response was “overwhelmingly positive.” Improved workplace morale is one of the changes.
Creating a strong foundation where employees feel they can thrive promotes openness, empathy, supportiveness and equality.
When everyone feels valued and respected, they’re more likely to work together towards common goals.
Employing people with disability creates a sense of belonging
Employing people with disability creates a sense of belonging—a basic need for all humans. It shows that you’re an organisation that wants to help everyone succeed. This can lead to a more productive and engaged workforce.
When we feel like we belong, we’re more likely to be ourselves and perform our best. We feel a sense of ownership and pride in our work, which can lead to better results. This elevated engagement in the workplace translates to stronger connections with clients and customers.
Improved accessibility for everyone
An accessible workplace is good not only for employees with disabilities but also those without disabilities. It can help everyone feel comfortable and supported at work.
For example, if your organisation provides wheelchair-accessible desks, employees who use wheelchairs will obviously benefit. But so will employees who are pregnant or have other mobility issues. All employees and customers will appreciate not having to climb over obstacles or squeeze through narrow spaces. Workplaces implementing ergonomic solutions increase employees’ productivity.
An accessible workplace is also more likely to attract a wider range of customers, clients and employees. People want to work for and do business with organisations that make them feel welcome.
Build an inclusive workplace with Mambourin
Ready to employ people with disabilities? If you’re looking to outsource your warehouse or gardening operations, our business solutions can help. We can also recommend people from our traineeships programs for positions or work experience. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you build an inclusive workplace.