An Able Workforce: Attracting Differently-Abled People During the Recruitment Process
Written by Elijah Dawson
The recent shift towards remote working has made it possible to see how differently-abled people, including those with dyslexia, can integrate into the workforce with ease. Inclusivity is beneficial to both workers and business owners. With the right solutions and accommodations in place, talented prospective employees will feel confident and safe in applying for the opportunities you are offering.
Transform the Culture
Any new hires who are differently abled will never feel fully accepted in the workplace if your current employees aren’t made aware of how to behave appropriately around them. The leaders within your business should also be well trained on what to expect during day-to-day operations and how to properly intervene if a conflict arises.
Although in-person sensitivity seminars can be held for employees, online courses may also be made available so that the training, which is undoubtedly necessary, does not interrupt productivity.
Since your employees have first-hand exposure to your workplace tactics, ensure that you allow them the opportunity to provide feedback on current inclusivity measures so that you are well aware of the extent of change that is needed.
Rethink Recruitment
When recruiting any talent, including those who are differently abled, it’s vital to ensure that the job description in your posts is enticing and attractive. Be sure to effectively communicate the job’s requirements, related responsibilities, and remuneration.
Consider including information on your organization’s inclusivity efforts, and ensure that employee testimonials are easy to find through a Google search. It may be worthwhile to create a social media post that boasts the quality of the working environment your company is offering.
Implement Solutions
When hiring a differently-abled person, it’s important to open up the conversation on what accommodations they require. Let them know that your organization will do everything possible to try to make the working day manageable for them.
- Physical comfort: If your employee’s disability is physical, ensure that your office space is accessible and easy for them to navigate. If this isn’t possible, consider allowing them to work from home and implement the necessary remote working solutions to ensure that workflow is not disrupted.
- Schedule: As long as they are meeting deadlines, differently-abled employees may require more flexible working hours to be able to fit in the additional doctor’s appointments or physical therapies they often need.
- Communication: There are loads of new technologies and software that are helpful in accommodating disabilities like dyslexia. Apart from introducing these into your daily operations, consider checking if communication trends can be more inclusive. In-person or verbal communication may make things easier for those with disabilities.
Evaluate Processes and Procedures
If you’ve never paid attention to inclusivity measures before, it’s possible that policies within your company have been structured in a way that does not accommodate differently-abled people very well. All procedures, including disciplinary measures, the code of conduct, recruitment and termination processes, as well as operational expectations should be scrutinized and improved where possible.
Differently-abled people have a plethora of talent and value to bring to their employers, and with technology making it possible to implement accommodations, it’s easier than ever to help them become integral parts of your workforce. Take a close look at your current processes and procedures to help identify how you can transform your organization into a desirable workplace for differently-abled folk, including those with dyslexia.
The American Dyslexia Association is a non-profit organization that is geared toward improving the lives of those with dyslexia and dyscalculia. This is achieved by making information and teaching aids free and far more accessible. Find out more about these conditions at: www.dyslexia.me
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