6 Reasons You Should Hire Someone Affected by Disability

By |Published On: April 13, 2017|Categories: Uncategorized|

6 Reasons You Should Hire Someone Affected by Disability

People affected by disability represent a talented, untapped labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics1 states that although 7 out of 10 working-age people have a job, only 2 out of 10 people with disabilities of working age are employed. This leaves many qualified individuals with disabilities on the lookout for a job. If you are looking to fill an open position, consider hiring a qualified employee with disabilities!  

1. Most employers of people with disabilities report high work quality. A study conducted by the Institute for Corporate Productivity2 revealed that 3 out of 4 employers surveyed ranked their employees affected by disability as having good or very good work quality, motivation, engagement, integration with coworkers, dependability, and attendance.

2. You can increase your consumer market and revenue. By hiring people affected by disability, you are showing this market segment that you care about their needs, thus increasing your opportunity to widen your customer base and bring in extra revenue.

3. It can improve job morale and corporate culture. By hiring people affected by disability, you are adding highly motivated people to the workforce and promoting an inclusive culture.

4. Your company’s productivity can increase. Employees affected by disability bring unique skills, experiences, and understanding that can enhance your products and services. Their knowledge of assistive technology and other innovations can help your company increase productivity, which can translate into equal or higher job performance rates.

5. It can help reduce employee turnover. Employees affected by disability are more likely to keep a longer tenure with a company, meaning your training and recruitment costs can be minimized. They also tend to seek stable and reliable work, and are less likely to resign and move on to another job.

6. It’s easier than you think. Perhaps you’ve thought hiring a person affected by disability might be too complex or you’ve had concern over issues like the cost associated with accommodations. However, employees with disabilities are usually happy to work on creative solutions with you regarding reasonable accommodations or restructuring of job hours.

A robust workforce includes people of all abilities. By integrating people affected by disability into your pool of employees, you’ll gain a competitive advantage, increase workplace diversity and productivity, and expand your market to new consumers. So, what are you waiting for? 

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1. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/disabl.nr0.htm

2. https://www.i4cp.com/trendwatchers/2014/10/15/what-your-d-i-policy-is-missing-employing-peoplewith-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities#.VD-EFUITNKk

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