Unpacking a Workplace Inclusivity Business Case Report

Published December 24, 2020

A new business case report, produced by Accenture, Disability: IN, and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), provides extensive research into the Disability Inclusion Advantage (PDF). For instance, employing persons with disabilities positively impacts businesses, including 2.9-times faster sales growth and 4.1-times faster profit growth. The report involved 6,000 employees with disabilities and 1,748 business leaders (including 675 with disabilities). You can read the full report here (PDF).

Accenture’s Enabling Change report discovered a significant gap between how people with disabilities feel about employment and what company leaders think about the support they offer. Unfortunately, people with disabilities still rate workplace inclusivity poorly, but company bosses rate their inclusivity more highly. This indicates that much more needs to be done, and communication between workplace leaders and people living with disabilities needs improvement.

The report found eight "workplace factors that unlock inclusivity," which companies could consider to better support their employees. Let’s take a look at each of these in turn.

1. Role models

Some people have bigger aspirations than others. If this is encouraged by a business leader who openly discusses their disability, it provides employees the role model they need to move forwards in their careers. 

If you employ people with disabilities, they may be more likely to seek progression in your company and work harder and more efficiently as a way of reaching their goals. Employing people with disabilities can lead to a more-committed workforce.

2. Resource groups

Some companies offer resource groups, where employees can seek advice and resources on accessibility or alternative ways of doing aspects of their job. Resource groups should focus on what your employees can do and not what they can’t. Hiring an officer to discuss the challenges your staff might be having at work is an easy way to find excellent ways around any issues. It opens communication between the company and the employee, and could help find the right tools or grants to aid your employee in the workplace.

3. Parental leave

People with disabilities state that parental leave is something that could be improved in their jobs. According to Accenture, parental leave can include time off for many family and personal things, such as:

  • Rest
  • Recovery from illness or injury
  • Personal issues
  • Caring for a family member or child with a disability or illness

People living with disabilities may require more time off than other employees, but many don’t. However, some employees may benefit from having extra leave available to them. When this is agreed with business leaders in advance, it helps you support your employees, helping them retain their position.

4. Fair and transparent pay

Employees working for fair and transparent pay perform much better and are more loyal to their companies. They are much more likely to stay with your firm for more extended periods and build their careers within your business. 

Sometimes, fair and transparent pay could be even more important for people with disabilities who may have extra living costs. If your employees feel secure and well-supported, they will have lower stress levels and be much more focused on their jobs.

5. Training

People want to further their careers and being offered training to improve their work skills offers them that chance. For you, as an employer, you get hard-working employees who are driven to succeed.

6. Flexible working options

Many people with disabilities thrive with some flexibility in their professional life — for example, work-from-home options and extra leave. Flexible working options can also include standing desks or switching between a sitting desk and a standing desk when needed. Quiet rooms can be provided for people who benefit from those, as well.

Related: How Far Must Employers Go to Accommodate the Scheduling Needs of People with Disabilities?

7. Freedom to innovate

People disabilities or chronic illness can be excellent at innovative thinking. Someone living with a disability might be more used to thinking their way around everyday problems. A lot of people with disabilities are problem solvers by nature. If your company relies on problem-solving or innovation, improving accessibility and inclusion in the workplace might be especially beneficial.

8. Mental well-being

Not all disabilities are physical, and whatever mental well-being support you have in place for your staff can be accessed by every team member. This improves staff stress levels, and it’s a great way to be inclusive. 

The Enabling Change report has a lot to offer. There are some easy ways to improve your company’s inclusivity and boost sales, profits, and staff satisfaction at the same time.

 

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