Supporting Employees With Disabilities: Simple Steps Your Business Can…
If you are an employer who employs people with disabilities, then this blog post is for you. As the labor market becomes more competitive, it has become increasingly important to be able to attract and retain top talent. The best way to do this is by making your organization as inclusive as possible – creating a culture of diversity that will allow employees with disabilities to feel like they belong in their workplace.
With some simple changes to the way that you operate, you can ensure that your business supports all employees.
Make Changes To The Office
One of the simplest things you can do to make your workplace more accessible is to adjust the physical space. For example, make sure that there are designated disability parking spots close to the entrance, and that all areas of the office are wheelchair-accessible. Adapt a toilet cubicle to create more accessible facilities too. There are already guidelines about making your office accessible, but they often fall short, so make sure you go above and beyond them.
Make Your Job Applications Accessible
Another way to make your workplace more inclusive is by ensuring that all job applications are accessible. This means that they can be filled out and submitted electronically, and do not require any special software or equipment. Provide information in large print and easy read versions, and make sure that all applications are compatible with screen reading software. Be available to answer questions and provide assistance with job applications too. If you don’t make applications accessible, you may be missing out on some amazing candidates simply because of the way that your application is formatted.
Promote Wellness For All Employees
Creating a workplace culture of wellness is important for all employees, not just those with disabilities. This means providing opportunities for employees to get active, eat healthily, and de-stress. However, it’s important to remember that everyone has different needs when it comes to wellness. Promote wellness in a way that is inclusive for all employees.
Provide Training For Managers
One of the most important things you can do to support employees with disabilities is provide training for managers. This will ensure that they are aware of the accommodations that may be needed, and how to best support employees who are struggling. It’s also a good opportunity to discuss any stigmas or misconceptions about disabilities that may exist in your workplace. For example, it is a common misconception that people with disabilities are more likely to take sick days. In fact, there is no discernible difference in the amount of time off that people with disabilities have.
Managers need to know how to treat employees equally, while also ensuring that everybody has the tools and support that they personally need to thrive in their job. This is a tough balance to strike, but the right training makes it a possibility.
Making your workplace inclusive for employees with disabilities is not only the right thing to do, but it can also be good for business. By implementing some of the suggestions in this blog post, you can create a more diverse and welcoming environment that will allow all employees to thrive.