Make your workplace inclusive for those with disabilities. When you’re scaling your business, you want to be confident that you’re hiring the best candidates for key positions. But if your company isn’t disability-friendly, you could be discouraging some of the best people from applying. Make your workplace inclusive for those with disabilities so you’re attracting a solid team you can lead to success.
Workplace Inclusive Tip: Declare Your Commitment
It takes a well-rounded group of workers from different backgrounds to bring you the different approaches and insights you need to be a forward-thinking business. But not everyone is interested in teaching you how to be inclusive; job seekers with disabilities are drawn to companies that are already aware and have acted.
Even if your business has a long way to go, you can at least communicate your priorities by including them in job listings. Stand out from other employers by announcing your values with statements such as, “We are committed to a diverse environment where talented people want to do their best work.”
Workplace Inclusive Tip: Use the Technology
As you assemble the right team for your business, you’ll find that there are alternative ways to work that can be more effective. All kinds of workers can appreciate assistive technologies that make their jobs easier. Consider investing in software such as:
- Speech-generating devices for communication.
- Frequency-modulated systems for those with hearing impairments.
- Ergonomic or enlarged keyboards.
- Screen readers and magnifiers for visually impaired employees.
- Voice recognition programs.
Workplace Inclusive Tip: Be Physically Accessible
You’ll need to physically accommodate those with disabilities if you want to make sure that your workplace is inclusive. If they can’t get there or maneuver the office, you’ll severely limit your hiring options. Go beyond legal requirements and add ramps where they can be additionally useful. Ensure that the hallways are wide enough for wheelchairs and that desks are spaced generously. Provide transportation that’s disability friendly for daily commutes or off-site events.
You might not be able to anticipate the needs of all future employees, but you can get guidance from the team you have. Ask your workers how you can help them do their jobs better. Be open to feedback and suggestions that can attract top talent to your company. Even if you make changes one step at a time, the right people will be sure to notice.
