As a business owner, you want to reach the most talented applicants. However, if you do not have a business that prides itself on inclusivity, you may miss out on worthwhile candidates. If you want your company to appeal to people with disabilities, there are certain changes you have to make to your company culture. Candidates have to feel like they would find acceptance within your company. So here are some tips from 9Listed to help you get started.
Offer Benefits as Incentives
When choosing whether to accept a job offer, most people weigh the pros and cons. Even if a business has a high pay rate, a person might choose lower pay for better benefits. Healthcare is a concern for most Americans, but for those with disabilities, health insurance is life-saving. When you supply health insurance, your employers will have less stress over the cost of medical care.
Consider internship programs for those who have disabilities. Internships benefit you and the intern. The intern receives training with little to no experience and you have a potential employee who might be looking for full-time work after the program.
Be the Boss You Want to Work For
Think about your past bosses and who you would like to work for. Become an example for your employees to look up to. To be a good boss, you must cultivate a healthy relationship with those who work for you. Try to focus on your communication skills. Practice active listening skills to ensure that people feel valued by your company. When you need to give direction, be clear and professional. Give yourself time to think about what you want to say so that you never come across as condescending.
Next, you obviously need to be as knowledgeable as possible so that you can make the right choices for your company. While knowledge often comes with experience, you can greatly accelerate the process if you go back to school to earn your bachelor of business degree. And thanks to the flexibility of online learning, you can proceed at your own pace without having to take too much time away from work.
Lastly, when it comes to your employees, be understanding. Understand that your employees have lives outside work and express compassion when necessary. For example, do not expect single parents to be able to work late. Likewise, do not rely on single employees to handle all overtime obligations. Be considerate and fair with everyone who works for you.
Create a Company Culture Around Inclusivity
Your company’s culture can shape your business’s future. According to experts, employees are more likely to be productive and engaged when they share the same ideals as their employer. Without a strong company culture, you are more likely to fail. When people join the company culture, they also care about your success.
To attract workers with disabilities, the company culture needs to address inclusivity. Create a paragraph for new applicants in your recruiting document detailing why differently-abled employees should work for the company. Explain that you are committed to an inclusive culture. If you are using a PDF for the document, use a PDF editor to make changes. Then, you can upload the file online to make changes, download and share it with others.
Telling potential employees about your dedication is not enough. Make sure that your business has the appropriate accommodations for people with disabilities. For instance, invest in assistive devices for the computer or install elevators and ramps for those who need to use a wheelchair. If you have an employee make a request, always respond.
When looking for a new job, most people look into the company’s culture and how others talk about their bosses. The ideal candidates will respect you but also expect respect in turn. To find more differently-abled hires, you must have the benefits and accommodations necessary to attract those workers.
