Building an accessible work environment is not just a matter of compliance or social responsibility; it is a cornerstone of organisational success and innovation. Inclusive workplace staffing acknowledges the diverse needs of all employees, including those with disabilities, and provides equal opportunities for everyone to contribute and thrive.
The foundation of accessibility
At its core, an accessible work environment removes barriers that might prevent individuals with disabilities from performing their jobs effectively. This means ensuring physical spaces are navigable for those with mobility aids, providing assistive technology for those with visual or hearing impairments, and creating policies that support different ways of working.
Research from Accenture’s Getting to Equal 2020 South Africa report highlights that companies that embrace best practices for employing and supporting more persons across gender, race and disabilities in their workforce have outperformed their peers. These organisations are growing more than twice as fast as those of their peers. They report their sales are 2.2x higher and their profits are 3.2x higher.
An accessible workplace is about culture. It’s about creating an environment where differences are valued and where employees feel a sense of belonging. If leaders prioritise a culture of equality now, they will create an environment that is more likely to produce the financial results they want and need. If people feel a sense of belonging and are valued by their employers for their unique contributions, perspectives and circumstances, they are empowered to innovate more. Everyone will rise. And with more diverse and balanced leadership teams, workplace cultures will continue to become more inclusive. Eventually, leaders will evolve to see profit and culture not as separate endeavours at all, but as tightly interdependent goals, equally crucial to success.
Implementing universal design
Investment is necessary to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of accessibility initiatives. This can range from financial investment in adaptive technologies to investing time in creating policies and procedures that support accessibility. Universal design is a principle that can be applied to the creation of environments, products, and communications that inherently accommodate all users, including people with disabilities. Importantly, this approach leads to a wide range of benefits for everyone, not just those with disabilities. By considering the varied abilities of all users from the outset, organisations can ensure that their workplaces are inherently more accessible.
From a technology perspective, advancements have played a critical role in building accessible work environments. From screen readers and speech recognition software to ergonomic hardware and accessible web design, technology has the power to level the playing field. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) reports that most workplace accommodations are not only low-cost but also lead to considerable benefits in terms of increased employee engagement, productivity, and loyalty.
Getting started
Organisations that are serious about creating more diverse and inclusive workforces can get started with these three steps:
- Create forward-thinking policies
Forward-thinking policies that anticipate the future needs of employees can set the groundwork for a perpetually accessible work environment. This includes not only accommodating current employees with disabilities but also planning for the needs of an ageing workforce and for individuals who may acquire disabilities in the future.
- Training and awareness
A critical component of an accessible work environment is the education of staff at all levels. Training programs that raise awareness about disabilities and teach inclusive practices can help foster an environment of understanding and support.
- Building partnerships
Creating partnerships with organisations that specialise in disability employment can provide valuable insights and resources. These partnerships can help businesses to recruit from a broader talent pool and to understand the latest best practices in workplace accessibility. Collaboration with non-profits, governmental agencies, and advocacy groups can also enhance a company’s reputation and commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Let’s change the South African workforce together
At I CAN we work with our clients to establish the most effective holistic strategy for implementing sustainable solutions for engaging persons with disabilities. I CAN identifies short, medium and long-term sustainable interventions to equip and position a company to create a fully inclusive environment. Contact us to learn how we can help you create an accessible work environment for all.
