It is important for business owners to offer opportunities to all employees, including those with disabilities.

Perhaps you want to be more inclusive in your hiring practices, but you aren’t sure how to go about it. In this guide, Dunhill Staffing Systems shares effective tips that you can implement to attract new hires with disabilities, including offering career planning opportunities, creating an inclusive work environment, and more.

Create an Inclusive Workplace Culture

One way to attract people with disabilities is to create a more inclusive culture. There are two important aspects of creating a culture of inclusivity: relationships and physical space. Consider offering training to your staff so they understand what kinds of language and behaviors to minimize and how to create an accessible space. Many mistakes are made out of ignorance and not malintent. Second, ensure that your physical office space is fully accessible. These modifications may include adding ramps, widening spaces between cubicles or equipment, and adding automatic doors.

It’s also important that your technology is accessible. Ensure that your website is compatible with assistive devices, as are any machines or other technological interfaces that are present in your workspace. In fact, any tools necessary for completing their job, including access to the copy machine, mail boxes, and office supplies, should be in places that are easily reached by all employees.

Checking Off the Minimum Requirements

There are many ways you can go above and beyond accessibility basics, but here are the core requirements you want to ensure are present in your workplace:

• Create a more inclusive environment that will be welcoming for all employees.
• Check that your website is compatible with assistive technology.
• Offer career planning opportunities for all employees.
• Create internships for people with disabilities from outside your organization.
• Make accessibility a regular line item in your budget.
• Redesign your recruitment process to better attract individuals with disabilities.
• Offer several healthcare options so employees can choose based on their medical needs.

Health insurance is one of the most common benefits offered by employers to employees. Other incentives include bonuses, incentive programs, and flexible working hours. One company, for example, offers parking free of charge in its garage to help people with disabilities get to work.

Attracting New Hires with Disabilities

Before you post a job listing online, make sure your website works with assistive devices. This means that your website loads quickly on all browsers and provides keyboard shortcuts for people who may not be able to use one hand or one arm. It should also be compatible with e-readers for blind applicants. Without these features, your postings will be unavailable to applicants with disabilities, and you will lose out on a valuable portion of the available workforce. You also need to include a clear job description to ensure applicants understand what is required and expected for that position. It’s also important to follow up efficiently. No applicant wants to be in limbo over a potential position for too long, so communicate clearly and quickly with your applicants.

Business News Daily points out that a more inclusive culture is one way to attract people with disabilities. Interviews should be about people’s abilities and not their disabilities. Ask questions such as “What accommodations are you looking for?” or “What can we do to make the workplace more accessible?” You should also revamp your recruitment process so that it is fully inclusive. Ask applicants if they require a sign language interpreter for interviews, or if they plan to bring a companion along during the process.

Offering career planning opportunities is another way to attract people with disabilities, notes Robert Half. It could be as simple as providing internships and other programs that allow new employees to explore various career options. It is always a good idea to have employees who can help in other departments.

Planning for the Future

You cannot expect to make your office and your staff fully inclusive overnight. Some of these changes may take some time to put into practice, but it is vital to keep an open mind and constant movement forward towards accessibility. Create a plan for how you will implement specific practices in order to make your application and employment processes more equitable.

As you continue to expand your business and your inclusive culture, you might want to give yourself an advantage by enrolling in an advanced degree program. That will give you special insight into your field – including the benefits of a diverse workforce. Additionally, if you choose online learning, you can pursue your degree at your own pace without having to take time off work!

You should also ensure that your company is properly registered with the state to maintain tax compliance. This is important when hiring staff, and it is vital for employees with disabilities who may rely on your company’s credibility for certain services. The IRS can provide an EIN. Before your new hires start working, they will need to provide a W-9. This is necessary for payroll taxes and when cash wages exceed a certain amount per year.

 

Dunhill Staffing Systems offers quality staffing services to the Charleston, South Carolina area. If you are looking to add new employees to your workforce, contact us for more information.