Talking to Employers

It can be difficult to know how to speak with potential employers about disability in the workforce. One way to feel better prepared is through finding out about the real benefits employers can experience from becoming inclusive. Read more about the positive outcomes that inclusive businesses report as well as the common misconceptions about hiring people with disabilities.

Inclusive Workplace: Talking to Employers

As ambassadors of inclusive workplaces – good news! There are very positive benefits available to share with employers! Here are the most commonly known ones to becoming an inclusive workplace:

  • Higher retention rates;
  • Higher levels of employee engagement;
  • Broader attraction of top talent;
  • Better community image;
  • Stronger financial performance;
  • More innovation.

Cost of not being inclusive

Some argue that there’s a cost to not embracing diversity & inclusion:

  • Brand erosion;
  • loss of goodwill in the marketplace;
  • accelerated employee turnover among other direct and indirect costs;
  • lawsuits;
  • lower profitability.

Common Misconceptions: Inclusive Workplaces

Let’s consider some of the most common misconceptions about Inclusive workplaces. Addressing misconceptions can be the best way to fight stigma while also providing knowledge!

Misconception #1

“Employees with disabilities won’t be able to work as hard or do as much as non-disabled colleagues.”

FACT

There is no difference in how productive employees with disabilities are compared with non-disabled colleagues.

Misconception #2:

“Employees with disabilities will bring others down, make them uncomfortable or burdened.”

FACT

Employees interviewed from inclusive workplaces have explained that these workplaces feel like more energized places to work! Young employees have explained that a business with an open commitment to building community, including the hiring of a diverse workforce, is a big incentive to work there.

Misconception #3

“Employees with disabilities are more likely to have accidents on the job than employees without disabilities”

FACT:

98% of employees with a disability rate an average or better score in work site safety.

Misconception #4

“Employees with a disability have a high absentee rate”

FACT:

Employees with disabilities do not miss work anymore than their coworkers without disabilities.

Misconception#5

“Employees with disabilities are harder to dismiss for under-performance”

FACT:

Employees with disabilities fall under the same legislation and provisions as employees without disabilities when it comes to lawful termination

 

Misconceptions and Facts can be found at:

http://csclworks.org/business-partners-old/myths-vs-facts/

https://quintewestchamber.ca/8-myths-about-hiring-people-with-disabilities/

For a research article, which expands and explores the details of the misinformation about disability and the workplace, consult our library for: The Participation of People with Disabilities in the Workplace Across the Employment Cycle: Employer Concerns and Research Evidence.

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Difference of Opinion

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