Firms Failing to Leverage Talent of Workers with Disabilities

Organisations often fail to leverage the talents of workers with disabilities, revealed the latest report from Bentley University in the US, to mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“More than a quarter of all people in the US have a disability; and organisations leading in disability inclusion can leverage a larger talent pool and create new avenues for innovation and profitability,” commented report author and CWB Advisor Trish Foster. “Yet only 31% of people with disabilities in the US are employed compared to 75% of people without disabilities.” 

INVISIBLE DISABILITIES

Most disabilities – about 62% – are invisible, making it harder for employees to disclose and seek accommodations, according to the report, entitled Inclusion for Disability, Mental Health, and Wellbeing in the Workplace. Common unseen disabilities include autism spectrum disorder, diabetes, ADHD, dyslexia, learning differences, memory issues, chronic pain or fatigue; and disabilities related to mental health.

More than two-thirds of leaders believe their technological arrangements and cultures are supportive of disabled employees; but less than half of those with disabilities agree, revealed the study. Navigating work with an invisible disability such as mental health presents specific challenges, partly because of public fear and stigma.  

Some reasons why companies don’t leverage talent are based on a lack of understanding, according to the American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN. Employers often underestimate the depth of the available talent pool; and the potential benefits people with disabilities bring to the workplace. Businesses also misconstrue the cost versus the return on investment for disability inclusion; yet 59% of accommodations cost nothing to make. The rest typically cost less than $500 per employee with a disability.

BARRIERS TO DISABILITY INCLUSION

“Disability inclusion is worth the investment,” Foster stated. “Data shows that organisations working actively to employ and support people with disabilities outperform peers across an array of metrics; such as higher shareholder returns, more inclusive products and services going to market and lower voluntary turnover rates.” 

Workplace discrimination for people with disabilities includes wage gaps, despite the passage of legislation prohibiting pay discrimination over 30 years ago. Foster says there are specific barriers for people with intersecting identities. These include:

• Women and mothers face significant mental health pressures, with Black, Hispanic and single mothers being impacted the most. 
• People of colour face long-term structural inequalities that impact mental health. 
• Disabled people who identify as LGBTQ+ report higher rates of unemployment than others.

NURTURING DISABILITY INCLUSION AT WORK

Today’s workforce expects organisations to create inclusive environments for all employees, including those with disabilities. “Many strategies useful for other underrepresented groups can help with disability inclusion; yet there are interventions unique to this community, too,” Foster said. “Employers must commit to expanding the scope of accommodations, creating transparency and reducing stigma; and adopting new strategies to recruit and promote people with disabilities.” 

The report provides numerous recommendations to help organisations, leaders and allies nurture disability inclusion, including: 

• Addressing unique needs for people of colour who are disabled. 
• Mainstreaming universal design to promote better access for everyone; for disabled and non-disabled people alike. 
• Using metrics to measure success and ensure accountability. 
• Leveraging employee resource groups where people with disabilities and their advocates can openly discuss issues. 
• Practicing everyday allyship.
• Becoming knowledgeable about language choice. 
• Addressing the role of artificial intelligence (AI). 

YOUNGER WORKERS: MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

Younger workers are impacting the mental health landscape and helping to change attitudes and approaches toward disability in the workplace, according to the study. “Up to 75% of Generation Z workers have left jobs at least partly because of mental health; but the upside is that current data indicates that employees are more likely to seek help with stress, anxiety, and depression than they were as recently as five years ago.” 

Leaders who disclose a disability serve as positive role models and can act as catalysts for change and mentor others. “More than half of CEOs believe talking about their own mental health makes them a better leader; yet they hold back largely because of concerns it will impact their credibility and employee confidence in them,” Foster added. “If bosses aren’t speaking out about inclusion, if accommodations aren’t being made and if employees don’t feel they can raise concerns about how they’re treated, then secrecy reigns; and employees and organisations can’t reach their potential.” 

Click here to download the report.

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