Career Advice

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's Why Inclusive Hiring for People with Disabilities and the Older Workforce is Essential

When you’re fighting a severe condition, it’s hard to decide whether or not to keep working. Financial reasons may force you to find a job, especially if you have a few people who can support you.

Inclusive hiring for people with life-affecting health issues, like disabilities or cancer, and the older workforce is essential for businesses. This hiring practice shows support and solidarity with those going through a tough time.

However, your ability to work will depend on your health, the type of treatment you have, and your occupation.

For instance, mesothelioma is a life-threatening condition usually caused by asbestos exposure. This disease affects the lining of essential organs, like the lungs and the heart. Check out reliable sources of information on what the disease is, the various stages of mesothelioma, symptoms, and treatment options.

Are you an employer and want to know how inclusive hiring affects your business? Or are you a job-seeker wondering about the potential benefits of inclusive hiring for people with disabilities and older workers? Whatever your case, opportunities in an inclusive workplace may be worth exploring.

This article explains how inclusive hiring for people with disabilities and an older workforce can benefit businesses. It also discusses how that hiring approach can benefit people with disabilities and older workers.

 

Why Inclusive Hiring Is a Win-Win Scenario for Employers and Job Seekers

Inclusive hiring practices can benefit employers and job seekers in many ways. For instance, a more diverse and inclusive workforce can lead to increased creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

Additionally, a more diverse and inclusive workforce can help employers better understand and serve their customers, leading to increased profit.

A 2018 study noted that businesses that actively seek to hire people with disabilities perform better than those that do not. These enterprises’ revenues increased by 28%, their net income doubled, and their profit margins increased by 30%.

At the same time, diverse hiring helps companies decrease their attrition rates since employees feel more loyal and connected to the company’s business practices.

For example, a report from the U.S. Department of Labor showed that disability-friendly employers got a 90% increase in employee retention.

That’s understandable since a positive workplace environment is one of the primary reasons employees stay loyal to a company.

Suppose you’re an older adult. In that case, you might feel more comfortable and more productive in an environment where your contribution is respected and appreciated, regardless of age.

Inclusive hiring can help dispel the notion that older workers or people with disabilities are less capable or desirable employees.

 

How To Search for an Inclusive Job

Here are some crucial reminders if you’re looking for an inclusive workplace:

 

Scan job postings for inclusive language

Job postings are one of the primary ways to recruit potential employees, so watch out for things that may indicate a lack of diversity and inclusion.

It would help to watch out for the following factors:

  • Vague language
  • Misaligned requirements for the level of the position
  • Benefits that cater to a specific lifestyle, for example, beer on tap, ping pong table, or weekly happy hours

 

Look for companies that have a stated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Websites are an excellent source of information regarding a company’s diversity and inclusion policy.

Check their core values and mission statement for references to diversity, inclusion, or belonging.

You can also check their employee photos and assess whether they represent a diverse group.

You can also look for internal inclusion groups or councils like LGBTQ+, women, veterans, and Black inclusion groups.

Lastly, you can check whether the company contributes to your community through charity or volunteer initiatives.

If you’re confident enough that your values and the company’s match, be prepared to submit the following documents:

  • Resume or CV
  • Cover letter
  • References
  • A job application
  • A visa (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

 

Discuss the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion with a recruiter or hiring manager.

Throughout the interview process, including phone screening or on-site meetings, ask questions about diversity and inclusion.

A candidate usually has 5 to 10 minutes to ask questions after an interview. Take this opportunity to gain insights from employees, leaders, and hiring managers.

You can ask the recruiter about their commitment to laws and inclusion policies.

For example, Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 restricts federal agencies from discriminating against qualified people with disabilities.

Furthermore, the law mandates that these agencies hire, promote, and place persons with disabilities on an affirmative basis.

During the interview process, you can look for signs of a diverse and inclusive culture. Examine the office, people, art, and space for signs of diversity when you attend an in-person, on-site interview.

DiversityJobs.com is the perfect place to search for jobs that reflect your specific skills and qualifications.

With the company’s focus on diversity and inclusion, their site can help you find a workplace that supports and celebrates your unique background and talents.

 

 

References

The win-win of disability inclusion

https://www.ilo.org/infostories/en-GB/Stories/Employment/The-win-win-of-disability-inclusion#the-benefits-of-inclusive-workplaces

Getting to Equal: The Disability Inclusion Advantage

https://www.accenture.com/t20181108T081959Z__w__/us-en/_acnmedia/PDF-89/Accenture-Disability-Inclusion-Research-Report.pdf

Neurodiverse people are Asia-Pacific’s well of untapped talent https://www.hsbc.com/insight/topics/neurodiverse-people-are-asia-pacifics-well-of-untapped-talent

Laws and Regulations

https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/disability/laws