Many companies are afraid to hire people with disabilities because they see them as a liability and risk. However, people with disabilities are focused and hard working.
The 61 million Americans with disabilities are a valuable workforce resource that can help employers meet their labor needs. By hiring a person with a disability, businesses can reap these benefits: 1. Increased productivity.
1. Increased productivity
One of the biggest concerns business owners have about hiring employees with disabilities is whether or not they can perform to the same level as others. However, the reality is that workers with disabilities tend to perform better than their non-disabled counterparts. In fact, according to research done by Accenture and Disability:IN, companies that hire disabled individuals enjoy profit margins up to 30% higher, net income up to 200% higher and revenues 28% higher than those who do not.
People with disabilities also see things differently than those without them, making them ideal for devising solutions to business problems. This is what led to the success of Peckham, a company that creates jobs for people with disabilities by putting them into a production system that prioritizes efficiency and teamwork.
Another way that workers with disabilities can improve productivity is by helping to reduce turnover. Turnover is costly for businesses, and workers with disabilities tend to stay in their jobs longer than those who do not, meaning they can help build a strong team culture that will benefit everyone.
2. Increased loyalty
Adding disabled people to your workforce not only boosts morale for your regular employees, but it also shows the community that you care about diversity and that you are a progressive business. This creates a positive image for your company, which makes it more attractive to potential customers, business associates, and other employees.
Hiring employees with disabilities shows that you value your employees’ needs, and it also lowers barriers to productivity. A worker who is constantly absent due to migraines, for example, can cost a company countless hours of lost thought, work, and innovation.
According to a study by Accenture, companies that are inclusive towards disabled employees are 28% more likely to grow revenue over a four year period. The disability market represents a huge consumer group that prefers to patronize businesses that understand their needs. This may allow you to bypass marketing costs in attracting this lucrative market segment. Your employees with disabilities will also add a unique perspective to your customer service. This will make your customers feel valued and may even inspire them to recommend your business to their friends and family members.
3. Increased morale
Many people with disabilities have been overcoming obstacles their entire lives, which can make them more motivated and committed to the work they do. This can lead to higher quality of products, friendlier interactions with customers and increased loyalty towards their employer.
Moreover, workers with disabilities are more likely to find creative solutions to workplace issues that non-disabled workers may overlook. This is because they have learned to cope with various situations through the use of adaptive techniques. This enables them to be more flexible in finding ways to get the job done, which can be a great asset for a company.
Employees with disabilities have a lot to offer in the workplace, and employers should not underestimate them. This untapped talent pool can help businesses in their search for high-quality employees with a variety of skills and experiences. Many large companies have already started embracing disability as a part of their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, such as CVS, Merck and Microsoft. By integrating disabled employees, these corporations have seen their bottom lines improve significantly.
4. Reduced turnover
People with disabilities tend to stick around their jobs longer than others, meaning that the money spent on hiring, training and other costs are less likely to be wasted. In addition, people with disabilities have lower rates of absenteeism and can often fill in for co-workers who are sick or have to cover shifts.
In addition, people with disabilities can bring a unique perspective to the workplace. They have been solving problems their whole lives and may inspire other employees to see business challenges in new ways.
To make your company more inclusive to disabled workers, consider using more open-ended job descriptions that don’t include restrictions such as “must have a car” or “ability to stand for long periods”. Also, avoid asking questions related to disability in the interview process, since those are illegal under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Many community rehabilitation providers can provide information and help you create a more inclusive workplace. These organizations can also help you find job candidates with disabilities and connect you to local support services. They can also train you on interviewing techniques and provide tips on making your office more accessible for people with disabilities.
5. Increased customer satisfaction
People with disabilities often possess the attributes employers are looking for in a successful employee, such as adaptability and resourcefulness. They can also be highly motivated to do well in the workplace. Their strong work ethic and desire to succeed translates into better quality, friendlier customer service, and higher levels of loyalty towards their employer.
Employers can encourage employees with disabilities to thrive in the workplace by creating a culture of accessibility and accommodation. This may include training on how to assist disabled employees, ensuring that any accommodations are in place before the new hire begins working, and promoting an environment of inclusion that demonstrates respect and value for all of its employees.
Small businesses can start to recruit and hire qualified workers with disabilities by reaching out to local or national organizations that specialize in employment services for individuals with disabilities. For example, most states have vocational rehabilitation agencies that can help job seekers spruce up their resumes and interview skills. These programs can also develop relationships with local businesses and connect them to skilled workers.