Dispelling Myths About Workers with Disabilities

It is a huge benefit to have an attitude of inclusion in the workplace. The close encounters that workers experience with one another in offices creates a huge opportunity for people within a society to become more tolerant and understanding on another’s differences. A spirit of inclusiveness can break down barriers and cultural stereotypes. This also applies to diversifying the workforce with the many capable people who happen to have disabilities.

Many employers are now pointing to the fact that they are seeing a higher quality work product in many disabled workers, as compared to some workers who are not disabled. Disabled workers are also known by some employers to be very loyal, dedicated employees who take their opportunities very seriously. When treated with respect, they are likely to stay and grow with the company, and move towards achieving corporate citizenship.

Unfortunately, an overwhelming number of employers still have the perception that the diversification of human capital by incorporating people with disabilities negatively impacts the bottom line of business. Employers also worry about higher worker’s compensation costs and greater sick leave expenses from disabled workers. Employers link the fear of these higher employment costs to an expected lowering of margins.  However, these fears are groundless. 

Studies have shown that most people with disabilities do not require the office where they work to go through a major or costly renovation to accommodate them. The bureau of Labor Statistics points out that the extra accommodations needed to hire disabled workers is “nominal’ when you consider that the average employer spends over $2,000 per year on each of their employee’s retirement plans. It is also noted that disabled workers do not take off more time and are not absent more often than non-disabled workers.

If you are interested in more blogs on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, please contact me at Sonia.bunch@patch.com