How can we better support individuals with disabilities in the workforce? Discover the challenges they face, and the steps employers can take to provide better support. In today's diverse workforce, creating an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities isn't just the right thing to do – it's also a smart move. However, despite progress in workplace diversity, students and graduates with disabilities still face significant challenges when entering the job market. We recently ran a survey to find out what students and graduates with disabilities are experiencing as they look for work. And guess what? 77% of them told us they're facing hurdles while trying to land a job. Sadly, it’s clear that students with disabilities feel that employers are failing them.
One theme we noticed came up again and again in the survey is that students and grads fear disclosing their disability during the application process. Many students feel that admitting to their disability may lead to their job application being disregarded. One respondent commented, "It is a well-known fact that you must select the NO option when asked about whether your disability might impact your role. The nature of that question lowers your desirability to the employer, and you must choose between revealing your disability as existing, or pretending it is new."
This fear of being open about disabilities shows there's a need for employers to shake up their hiring process. A simple tweak could be writing job descriptions that focus more on what needs to get done rather than specific abilities. By doing this, employers can draw in a wider range of candidates, including those with disabilities. You may also want to call out in your job descriptions that your workplace is welcoming to people with disabilities.
Hiring people with disabilities isn't just about meeting legal requirements or ticking boxes on a diversity checklist – it's about tapping into a wealth of talent and unique perspectives that can drive innovation and success. Research has shown that diverse teams, including those with individuals with disabilities, tend to be more creative, adaptable, and better equipped to solve complex problems. Employees with disabilities often demonstrate remarkable resilience, determination, and problem-solving skills – qualities that are invaluable in any business. By embracing disability inclusion, businesses can gain a competitive edge, foster a culture of innovation, and ultimately, contribute to a more inclusive society. Sounds like a win-win to us!
Not sure where to start when trying to create an inclusive workplace for those with disabilities? Here are some ideas you can try out:
Education and Awareness Provide training for all employees to foster awareness about disability inclusion, dispel myths, and promote empathy.
Flexible Work Policies Offer options such as remote work or flexible hours to accommodate diverse needs.
Accessible Workspaces Ensure the workplace is physically accessible and equipped with assistive technology.
Reasonable Accommodations Establish a process for requesting and providing reasonable accommodations to enable employees to perform their job duties effectively.
Mentorship and Support Networks Create mentorship programs and support networks where employees with disabilities can connect with peers and access guidance.
Promotion of Inclusive Language Encourage the use of inclusive language in all communications and interactions.
Continuous Feedback and Improvement Don’t make assumptions - regularly seek feedback from employees with disabilities to identify barriers and implement improvements.
By embracing these initiatives, you can create a workplace where people with disabilities feel valued, supported, and empowered to excel. This not only fosters a culture of inclusion but also enhances diversity, innovation, and overall success within your organisation. Let's continue to break down barriers and build a future where everyone feels included and valued.
We have a huge and diverse number of students looking for work right now. List a job today.