Hiring people with disabilities can provide several benefits to businesses! Employers create inclusive and diverse workplaces, improve their reputation, and increase employee morale and productivity.
Here are ten ways hiring people with disabilities can help your business:
1. Create a diverse workforce
Hiring individuals with disabilities increases the diversity of your workforce. This diversity can bring various perspectives and experiences, leading to creative problem-solving and better decision-making.
2. Gain access to an under-tapped talent pool
People with disabilities make up a massive pool of talent! They often possess unique skills, talents, and perspectives that may not be immediately apparent. You can tap into this hidden talent pool and potentially discover individuals who excel in their roles by giving them opportunities.
3. Widen your customer base
By employing people with disabilities, your business may become more relatable to a broader customer base. Reaching a wide and diverse audience can increase customer loyalty and sales. This boost is because people with disabilities and their families are more likely to support companies prioritizing inclusion.
4. Enhance your company’s reputation
Companies that are known for their commitment to diversity and inclusion are often viewed more positively by customers, employees, and investors. A strong reputation for inclusion can attract top talent and customers who value diversity.
5. Improve innovation in the company
Diverse teams are often more innovative because they bring different viewpoints and problem-solving approaches to the table. By hiring individuals with disabilities, you can promote a culture of creativity and innovation within your organization.
6. Benefit from problem-solving skills
Individuals with disabilities often develop strong problem-solving skills and adaptability due to daily challenges they might face. By integrating them into your workforce, you can leverage their abilities to tackle complex issues and find creative solutions to problems. These are valuable skills to add to your team.
7. Provide equal employment opportunities
You must provide equal employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities to comply with regulations. If the person is qualified and their disability will not prohibit them from doing the job, employers must follow regulations regarding discrimination while recruiting and hiring. Complying with these regulations avoids legal issues and demonstrates your commitment to ethical business practices.
8. Improve company morale and productivity
When employees see that their company values diversity and inclusion, it can boost morale and job satisfaction. Happy employees tend to be more productive and engaged, which can lead to better business outcomes.
9. Boost employee loyalty and retention
Employees with disabilities may feel a strong sense of loyalty to companies that provide them with opportunities. If you have a qualified and productive employee, you want them to stick around! You might experience lower turnover rates, reducing the costs of recruiting and training new employees.
10. Benefit from added accessibility
Some people with disabilities will require accommodations to succeed in the workplace. Often, these accommodations have no or low cost. Many accommodations can help make your workplace more accessible, like installing a ramp or automatic door, which benefits everyone working there and the community.
Want to get started recruiting people with disabilities? EmployAbilities can help! We offer free services and programs to employers. Learn more about those here –> https://employabilities.ab.ca/for-employers/
