Inclusive workplaces don’t just benefit employees—they transform companies. People with disabilities bring unique perspectives, innovative thinking, and a strong work ethic that enrich the work environment.
An Easterseals study found that companies that prioritize inclusivity, hiring people with disabilities, see improvements in morale, productivity, profitability, and innovation. When you cultivate a culture that thrives on the creativity and collaboration that inclusion offers, your company is stronger for it.
“Want happier, more engaged employees? More loyal customers and increased sales? The data is clear: Be a good corporate citizen. People want to work for and buy from companies that are working to improve the communities they serve.” Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals (Forbes).
Here’s how inclusive hiring, especially of individuals with disabilities, can enhance your business:
Welcome individuals adept at navigating challenges and thinking outside the box. This real-world problem-solving experience is an invaluable asset. The ability to adapt to difficult and different situations translates into creative, innovative solutions in the workplace. Everyone benefits when teams that reflect a wide range of experiences foster a culture of problem-solving and adaptability. Everyone becomes more experienced at approaching challenges from multiple angles, improving the overall efficiency and innovation of the entire workforce.
When employees can thrive in their work environment, you’re also sending a clear message: your company values the contributions of all its team members. This mindset can accelerate cultural transformation that drives innovation, employee engagement, and long-term business success—particularly important when inclusive companies are nearly twice as likely to be change-ready and more likely to be innovation leaders in their market (Bersin, Deloitte, 2015).
Inclusion fosters loyalty. Going beyond welcoming, when employees feel valued, respected, and supported in their work environment, they are more likely to remain committed to their roles and professional growth with your organization. This is particularly true for employees with disabilities. By creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has equitable opportunities to contribute and succeed, you build a workforce that is not only deeply reliable but deeply invested.
Employees with disabilities often have to work harder to prove their capabilities and overcome systemic barriers. One of the most significant misconceptions about employees with disabilities is that they are less reliable or require more time off than their peers. An Easterseals study reveals the opposite: they are dedicated and dependable.
Individuals with disabilities tend to stay in their jobs longer than non-disabled peers, reducing costly turnover. Turnover can be a significant expense for any business, affecting productivity, morale, and financial health. By retaining loyal employees over the long term, you can minimize the disruption of constant rehiring, retraining, and onboarding, which can drain resources and hinder team cohesion.
Inclusion also strengthens employee engagement. When employees see that their company values diversity and provides opportunities for everyone to thrive, the likelihood of higher levels of job satisfaction can increase across the board. Increased engagement builds a workforce that’s more invested in your mission and more collaborative
Socially responsible companies are more successful in today’s marketplace. Consumers are more socially conscious and attuned to the practices of the companies they support. People often want to see their values reflected in the businesses they choose, and hiring people with disabilities can become a factor in those decisions.
Nearly two-thirds of consumers globally want companies to take a stand on social, cultural, environmental, or political issues (Accenture, 2018). Inclusive companies are seen as more authentic and forward-thinking, fostering a stronger customer connection. When customers perceive a brand as more inclusive, it demonstrates greater responsibility and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact—inspiring trust and loyalty.
Disability must be included when creating more inclusive workplaces. Today, one in four people identify as having a disability (CDC). This means that one in four of your customers, clients, employees, and key stakeholders are impacted. People with disabilities are not just part of your workforce—they're integral to all aspects of your teams, partnerships, and communities.
Job Training and Employment for People with Disabilities
Easterseals provides comprehensive training and placement services to equip people with disabilities for the workforce, helping them reach their career goals. We collaborate closely with companies to create placement opportunities, building pathways for success. Learn more.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
Easterseals partners with community-based nonprofit organizations and government agencies through SCSEP, a transitional employment program that offers participants valuable on-the-job training. Find out how this program can benefit your organization and community. Learn more.
Gain Brand Equity for Your Disability Inclusion Efforts
The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.”Learn more.
Build Your Workforce with Qualified Talent
Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) helps employers “recruit, hire, retain and advance qualified people with disabilities.” It is a free resource that supports companies in building inclusive workplace cultures. Learn more.
The Disability Inclusion Advantage
Research from Accenture, in partnership with Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), reveals that companies that embrace best practices for employing and supporting more persons with disabilities in their workforce have outperformed their peers. Those who don’t miss out on a vast, untapped market. Learn more.
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