How To Build And Support A Diverse And Accessible Workplace

Companies that choose a diverse workforce have a more competitive edge. According to statistics on Exude, corporations considered as diverse are 35% more likely to outshine competitors. When employees work in a diverse workplace, they feel a sense of belonging. That’s because they are no longer the only person of color, woman, or person living with a disability in the work environment. Employees also feel more engaged in a diverse workplace, resulting in higher productivity and better customer service.

However, creating a diverse work environment can be challenging because of cultural misunderstanding, discrimination, and inequitable inclusion. Communication issues like difficulty understanding conversations in English and employees with hearing disability are common in a diverse workplace. Fortunately, there are effective ways to build and support a diverse and accessible workplace successfully.

Create Inclusive Workspace

The first step to promote inclusion in the workplace is by using non-discriminatory language to ensure that every employee, regardless of gender, race, or abilities, feels respected. For example, when talking to or about employees with disabilities, use people-first language. Instead of saying "wheelchair confined worker," say "a person who uses a wheelchair." The people-first phrase focuses on the person’s ability and eliminates the view of their disability as a limitation to work. You can add workplace inclusion by adjusting the recruitment process.

To achieve the best outcomes, provide easy-to-read job application documents. Also, avoid listing unnecessary skills that may discourage people with a neuro-divergent condition or physical disability from applying. Improving wheelchair accessibility, providing assistive technology and accessible mode of communication, and advocating for flexible work hours are crucial steps to ensuring your company is diverse.

Promote Pay Equity

Providing equal pay to all employees is one of the most notable ways managers can advocate for workplace equality. When underrepresented employees, especially those living with disabilities, receive equal pay, they can enhance their quality of life. Many times, lack of finances hinders individuals with disabilities from accessing the required treatment and therapy session.

What many employers don’t know is that failure to follow treatment plans is one factor why employees might not receive disability claims. Not being able to pay for prescribed therapy is a non-medical excuse beyond the control of a person with a disability. Besides offering equal pay, employers can ensure special needs employees receive quality healthcare by offering health coverage and paid sick leave. Promoting people of color, women, and employees with disabilities to leadership roles also boosts employee equality.

Leverage Innovations for Workplace Accessibility

Improving digital accessibility in the workplace helps nurture a culture of inclusivity, promotes healthy work relationships, and prevents stiff penalties. To maintain digital accessibility, ensure employees with disabilities can navigate your website and tech tools easily. For example, provide screen readers to translate written content to audio for individuals with limited vision or blindness. Consider adding captions to audio files and videos to ensure individuals with hearing loss understand your content. Also, ensure your tech devices are easy to operate using buttons, controls, and voice commands.

A diverse and accessible workplace acknowledges the needs and skills of people from different backgrounds. As a result, diversity leads to greater innovation and problem-solving. To support diversity and accessibility in the workplace, employers need to promote a culture of inclusivity. It’s also crucial to ensure underrepresented groups, including workers with disabilities, receive equal pay and have digital accessibility.