Hiring people with disabilities can give your business a boost. Research links it to increased profits, improved brand image, and customer loyalty. If you want to hire people or a person with disabilities, there are things you can do in the recruitment stage.
Adjust your recruitment strategy
Review your job descriptions and make sure they’re not subtly discouraging people with disabilities from applying. Make it clear that you are committed to a diverse workforce. Inclusive job descriptions can clearly state that you are open to or wanting to hire persons with disabilities.
Then, make reasonable adjustments for the job interview. You want to ensure they can communicate with you and feel comfortable. For example, the meeting location should be completely accessible, especially if the interviewee uses a wheelchair.
During the interview, keep the conversation about their qualifications for the job, not their disability. Speak normally, as you would with anyone, make eye contact, and listen. Make sure they understand that you’ll treat them fairly.
Change the workplace culture
Transforming your workplace culture into an inclusive one starts with conversations within the company. For example, it might mean sensitivity training programs for your staff, coaching initiatives for people with disabilities, and becoming vocal about inclusion by including it in your core values.
Get feedback from your employees with disabilities and incorporate it. Your workplace culture should be open-minded and free of assumptions and stereotypes. While it might not happen overnight, incorporating inclusive values and practices within your company will transform your workplace culture to be inclusive to everyone.
Work with an agency
You can also share your job vacancies with an organization that works with people with disabilities. For example, EmployAbilities can be a part of your recruitment strategy. We work with trained, skilled clients and could be a good match for your company and position. We can also advise on workplace training, accommodations, and interviewing people with disabilities. Best of all, our services are free to employers.
