The number of people with disabilities entering the workforce is rising, and it's becoming increasingly important to create more accessible workplaces and rethink our strategies when it comes to recruiting, hiring and retaining talent.
Increasing the accessibility of your workplace can improve productivity and support diversity and inclusion by opening up your organization to a wider pool of talent.
In order to foster an accessible workplace, it’s important to first understand that not all disabilities are visible and not all employees disclose disabilities to their employer. When rethinking your workplaces’ accessibility protocol, keep in mind that it needs to cover both invisible and visible disabilities in order to be inclusive.
So how can you ensure that your workplace is accessible for people with disabilities?
Here are 4 tips that might help:
Is your workplace unconsciously deterring people with accessibility needs from the recruitment and hiring process?
Identify barriers (not just the physical ones) that might hinder someone's success in applying to and entering your company because of their disabilities. This includes everything from your companies’ website accessibility and interview strategies to unconscious stigma in the workplace.
It shouldn't be made difficult for anyone in your organization to find tools and accommodations available to persons with disabilities.
Make sure to include disability inclusion statements in your job advertisements so that all qualified candidates feel comfortable applying to your job openings.
Educate employees from all levels of your organization on how to foster an accessible workplace.
Creating a space where employees can connect with each other to learn and grow will ensure that everyone has equal opportunity to succeed.
Interested in learning more about how to create an inclusive and positive workplace culture? Check out our blog, where we explore new topics regularly.
