Supporting individuals in the workplace who have a disability is crucial for creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. Inventum Group is a Disability Confident Employer and I have helped both employers and employees navigate this often taboo subject. It shouldn't be but it is!
So if you are someone with a disability who has legal experience and you want to work with a recruitment professional on your career plans - please reach out. Likewise if you are an employer who wants to access the 20% of the population who have a disability and create opportunities for this largely under-represented group then please get in touch. We would love to help.
And while I am at it, here are three ways employers can provide support to job seekers with a disability:
1. Accessible Infrastructure and Technology:
- Ensure that the workplace is physically accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. This includes ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Make sure that workspaces are designed to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges.
- Invest in accessible technology, such as screen readers, magnifiers, or speech-to-text software, to assist employees with visual or hearing impairments. Ensure that all digital content, including websites and internal communications, is designed with accessibility in mind, following guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
2. Flexible Work Arrangements:
- Offer flexible work hours or remote work options to accommodate the diverse needs of disabled employees. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions, mobility impairments, or other disabilities that may require adjustments to the traditional 9-to-5 schedule.
- Implement job-sharing or part-time arrangements to provide employees with a better work-life balance. This can be especially helpful for individuals managing health conditions that may fluctuate in severity.
3. Training and Awareness Programs:
- Conduct regular training sessions to educate all employees about disability awareness and inclusion. Promote a culture that values diversity and encourages open communication about different abilities.
- Train managers and supervisors on how to make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees, addressing both visible and invisible disabilities.
- Establish employee resource groups or support networks where individuals with disabilities can share experiences, provide mutual support, and offer insights into the unique challenges they may face in the workplace.
By focusing on these areas, employers can create an inclusive environment that supports the needs of individuals with a disability, fostering a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and can contribute their best, and more importantly be their authentic self at work!.
Do you want to know how your organisation can become more inclusive?
Invemtum group have a range of services and programs we offer.
Inclusive Policies and Procedures
We also regularly work on bespoke projects for our clients, so simply drop us a note below with your requirements and we can create a tailored solution for you