October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and we celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. Sadly, even in this day and age, many companies are still reluctant to hire people with disabilities because of the misguided beliefs they have about doing so.
They think it will cost the organization money in extra training and accommodations, and that customers might feel less confident about the end result.
The reality is, none of this is true, and in fact, the opposite will actually happen: hiring people with disabilities has many benefits for your company’s long-term success, employee retention and customer satisfaction.
Let’s take a closer look at nine reasons why hiring people with disabilities can benefit your organization.
1. Diversity and Inclusion: Does your D&I program include people with disabilities?
Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords or corporate speak. They’re extremely important. Hiring people with disabilities fosters diversity and promotes an inclusive work environment. It sends a powerful message that the company values and respects individuals from all backgrounds and abilities. Companies can’t just talk a good game when it comes to diversity and inclusion. They need to prove it with the people they hire.
2. Talent Pool: Hiring people with disabilities creates a more dynamic and experienced team.
By expanding the pool of potential employees to include people with disabilities, organizations can tap into a broader range of talents, skills, and experiences. This can lead to a more dynamic and creative workforce. Remember, many disabilities aren’t even detectable to the eye, and even if they were, in most cases they usually don’t have any bearing on a person’s talents or skills. Employees with disabilities do great work. In fact, according to a study by IT and consulting firm Accenture, over a four-year period, companies who hired people with disabilities had revenues 28% higher than those who didn’t.
3. Innovation: Foster a diverse and inclusive environment to boost creativity at your organization.
Diverse perspectives often lead to innovative solutions and ideas. Employees with disabilities may offer unique insights and problem-solving abilities that can benefit the company’s competitiveness and product development. Many of the employees with disabilities that I have worked with all these years have some of the most innovative and creative ideas. They are a definite advantage in competitive industries.
4. Adaptability: Increase your team’s ability to adapt to change.
Many people with disabilities have developed strong adaptability and resilience skills in dealing with their conditions. These traits can be invaluable in a rapidly changing business environment like we have today. When the going gets tough and changes arise that would cause employees to feel uneasy, many people with disabilities will be left standing strong serving as incredible resources and role models for their colleagues.
5. Loyalty and Dedication: Employees with disabilities are committed, long-term team members.
Studies have shown that employees with disabilities tend to be highly dedicated and loyal to their employers. They often appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, be a valued team member, and are less likely to change jobs frequently. In an age when many people typically hop from job to job, employees with disabilities will stick with you for many years to come.
6. Customer Relations: Demonstrate your commitment to diversity and expand your customer base.
Hiring individuals with disabilities can enhance a company’s reputation and appeal to a broader customer base. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in four adults has a disability. Customers who see people like themselvesemployee morale
employed in an organization are more likely to do repeat business and remain customers that much longer. Hiring employees with disabilities also demonstrates a commitment to diversity and social responsibility, which can attract socially conscious consumers. This is especially important and meaningful to the up-and-coming generations.
7. Compliance and cost savings: Avoid legal exposure and benefit from tax incentives
In many countries, there are legal requirements or incentives for hiring people with disabilities. Complying with these regulations can help avoid legal issues and may even come with financial incentives or tax benefits. Some employers may be eligible for government programs or subsidies for hiring individuals with disabilities, which can result in cost savings.
8. Improved Employee Morale: Enhance the experience in your workplace by hiring team members with disabilities.
Inclusive workplaces often have higher levels of employee morale and job satisfaction. When employees see that their organization values diversity and accommodates various needs, it can boost overall workplace happiness. Happy employees are vital to the success of an organization and can make them want to work harder, be more dependable, and reduce levels of stress.
9. Accessibility Awareness: Adding employees with disabilities can improve policies, practices, and spaces at your company
Employing individuals with disabilities can increase awareness of accessibility issues within the company. This can lead to the development of more inclusive policies, practices, and physical spaces. The bottom line is not only do your employees with disabilities benefit. Everyone does! You garner a reputation of prioritizing the needs of people with disabilities, which goes a long way with your customers and future talent.
The Takeaway
As we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month, do an inventory of your own organization. Can you do a better job hiring people with disabilities? Is there anything you can do to make accessibility more of a priority? Finally, make sure and say ‘thank you’ to these hardworking men and women.
Mark Pound is CEO of CurbCutOS, an organization making digital accessibility a reality, and an advocate for people with disabilities. https://www.curbcutos.com/.
The post <strong>Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month: 9 Reasons to Hire People with Disabilities</strong> appeared first on HR Daily Advisor.