You want and need the most qualified, dynamic problem-solvers on your team. They drive your company’s success.<\/span><\/p>\n Many companies lose out on the best candidates by not having a more diverse and inclusive workplace.<\/span><\/p>\n 10.9% of California’s population<\/span><\/a> identifies as disabled with some form of physical or mental challenge that affects their activities of daily living.<\/span><\/p>\n One of the barriers that disabled workers face is a lack of inclusive work environments. This issue interferes with the incredible qualities disabled workers bring to the table.<\/span><\/p>\n Keep reading as we delve into the benefits of becoming more inclusive.<\/span><\/p>\n Diversity<\/b> is defined by the Society for Human Resource Management as<\/span><\/p>\n “the collective mixture of differences and similarities that include, for example, individual and organizational characteristics, values, beliefs, experiences, backgrounds, preferences, and behaviors.”<\/span><\/p>\n The SHRM recognizes two categories of invisible diversity traits and visible ones.<\/span><\/p>\n Invisible Diversity Traits such as:<\/span><\/p>\n Visible Diversity Traits include:<\/span><\/p>\n Inclusion<\/b> is tied to diversity but there are differences in the scope of this term. Diversity is about giving all individuals equal opportunity within the company.<\/span><\/p>\n It’s a policy to never discriminate against an individual because of a physical or life trait.<\/span><\/p>\n Inclusion is a strategy to ensure members of your team has the tools needed to reach their potential.<\/span><\/p>\n “the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to the organization’s success.”<\/span><\/p>\n Many companies have extensive and detailed diversity policies and initiatives but neglect to make inclusion a priority or even give it a thought until issues are brought to their attention.<\/span><\/p>\n You wouldn’t ask a doctor to perform surgery with just cotton balls and tweezers to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n Or expect your mechanic to fix your car with only an Allen key for a tool.<\/span><\/p>\n So don’t give your team a job to do without the right tools to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n The best golfer in the world is given the task of sinking a hole in one and is confident in his ability to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n Then he’s handed a pool cue but if you’re handed a pool cue and a basketball instead of golf clubs and a golf ball. A task that was doable a minute ago just became virtually impossible. Not because that golfer’s skills changed but because he didn’t have the right tools for the challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n Having a diverse workforce without making it an inclusive work environment is essentially sending your best golfers to hit a hole in one with a chopstick and a beach ball.<\/span><\/p>\n More and more companies have realized that disabled workers often have a unique and impressive skill set and traits that benefit the team and the company greatly.<\/span><\/p>\n Let’s face it this world is not really inclusive. As much as the government boasts about their initiatives and passes their laws to ensure everyone has equal opportunity that’s not reality.<\/span><\/p>\n Navigating life in our society is difficult enough without the added challenges of mobility restrictions or disabilities making it harder.<\/span><\/p>\n A company can have the best policy on diversity and an applicant who uses a wheelchair may be the most qualified person in the world but if the interview is on the second floor of a walkup their policy doesn’t do any good.<\/span><\/p>\n Even if you have a really diverse employee base you’re setting them and yourself up to fail without having an inclusion strategy implemented as well.<\/span><\/p>\n It’s about more than having accessible bathrooms and elevators to the office. It’s about encouraging and enforcing an environment of respect for everyone with consideration of each individuals talents, skills, abilities, restrictions, disabilities, and challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n It’s about giving the team and the individual all the tools and resources they need to reach their full potential. It’s about supporting them while they support you in your company vision.<\/span><\/p>\n is a more productive employee. They need to feel appreciated, respected and valued. They need the right resources and tools to complete the job.<\/span><\/p>\n You can show employee appreciation and value by providing them an environment that allows them to flourish and reach their potential.<\/span><\/p>\n Even Sidney Crosby skates funny wearing skates that are three sizes too small on a rink that’s made of jello. He shines when he’s given an NHL rink, premium skates, an expert coach and talented teammates.<\/span><\/p>\n Disabled workers have faced challenges and struggles in life most individuals can’t even fathom. Tasks that others take for granted often have barriers, hurdles, and difficulties for someone with a disability.<\/span><\/p>\n Just trying to get down the sidewalk can be a frustrating task when the pavement is uneven, curbs are raised and cars are parked over the route for someone with impaired vision or who is using a wheelchair.<\/span><\/p>\n Being able to get to a job is much more difficult when there’s no transportation and you are socio-economically challenged. Performing your job is nearly impossible when your workplace doesn’t consider physical or mental limitations or challenges faced.<\/span><\/p>\n Disabled workers have been developing their ability to think outside the box and other problem solving skills their entire lives. They need their employer to as well.<\/span><\/p>\n Location<\/b>– A more central location, carpooling, offering the option to telecommute when possible can all be solutions to this barrier.<\/span><\/p>\n Technology and software<\/b> help make your workplace more inclusive. Video conference calls, messaging platforms, network databases and <\/span> can all provide flexibility and resources to your team.<\/span><\/p>\n Ergonomically correct workstations, remote offices, Employee Assistance Programs, job sharing are all vital to creating an inclusive work environment.<\/span><\/p>\n Workshops, Continued Education Programs, and diversity\/inclusion initiatives can help you and your employees have an open dialogue about what can make your company more inclusive.<\/span><\/p>\n An inclusive company seeks <\/span>more info<\/span><\/a> to implement the right strategies and plans for their employees.<\/span><\/p>\nDiversity and Inclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n
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The Right Tools for the Right Job<\/b><\/h2>\n
Disabled Workers: Skills for Success<\/b><\/h2>\n
Diversity and Inclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n
A Happy Team is a Productive Team<\/b><\/h2>\n
Strong Problem-Solving Skills<\/b><\/h2>\n
Inclusion Solutions to Consider<\/b><\/h2>\n
It’s Not a Policy, It’s Life<\/b><\/h2>\n