By Susanne Tanner of AbleSafety.org
A diverse workplace can increase productivity by introducing people and perspectives from all walks of life. To attract differently-abled new hires, though, you might need to make a few changes to your company’s current structure. The rate of unemployment among differently-abled people in the United States is 28.8%, meaning there’s already a huge pool of highly qualified individuals that you can access if you make the necessary changes. Here are some tips from Virginia Ability to help you attract some of the best untapped talent.
Encourage Inclusivity
You can encourage inclusivity in the workplace by educating current employees and assessing all aspects of the company.
To encourage inclusivity that will attract differently-abled employees, you can:
- Start a diversity program. Your HR department can initiate a diversity program that assists differently-abled people and informs the team about how to be more inclusive.
- Offer grants. Offer grants or scholarships to individuals to fund their studies, with the promise of a position within your company for a period of time.
- Offer internships. At least one of the internships you offer should be geared toward someone who is differently-abled.
- Improve your media collateral. Consider offering documents in braille, make sure your website font can be changed to large fonts, print brochures in large print, and consider the colors you use.
- Invest in assistive devices. When a new hire starts, ensure they have all the necessary tools. Invest in assistive devices for people with hearing, speech, and language differences.
Make Physical Changes to the Workplace
Differently-abled people who face physical challenges need to have easy access in the workplace. This might require a few design changes that are in line with best practice guidelines. You could:
- Build wheelchair ramps
- Install wheelchair-friendly toilets
- Remove physical barriers
- Create more space
- Ensure there are friendly parking spaces
- Install handrails
- Buy new furniture
- Lower countertops
Have an Inclusive Recruitment Process
The recruitment process is key to creating a more inclusive culture and attracting diverse hires.
- Interview options. Be more flexible with the interview process. Offer alternatives to in-person interviews. Some candidates aren’t comfortable being face-to-face.
- Clear job descriptions. Make sure your job description clearly and accurately describes the responsibilities they’ll take on. By doing so, you’ll prevent them from applying for positions they simply cannot do.
- Career planning. Attend career planning days where you can advertise your internship programs, grants, and how your company seeks to be inclusive.
- Get active on social media. Share photos of your office and workforce, and design promotional social media campaigns and banners. All your media images should include people with disabilities.
- When you attend career planning days, let potential employees know you offer an educational fund. For example, encourage workers to enroll in online accounting degree programs by offering to pay for part of the tuition. It’s a great way to get your employees to learn new skills. Be sure to design an online campaign to attract people who want to work and study, but who may have family obligations.
Equity in the Workplace
Creating equity in the workplace improves company morale while also increasing productivity. Furthermore, the creativity that comes from accessing a range of talents, regardless of their physical abilities, is bound to make your business more successful!
Virginia Ability recognizes the unique attributes and experiences in people with disabilities and works to increase diversity in the workforce. If you have any questions, please let us know!
Image via Pexels
