Gaining the Business Benefits of Employing Disabled People

Jane HattonEvenbreak

Introduction

Jane

Questions• Why don’t we want to employ disabled

people?• Why should we employ disabled people?• Why might disabled people not apply?• How can we attract talented disabled people?

Perceived Barriers?• Too much hassle• Too expensive (adaptations etc)• Time off sick• Health and safety risks• Retention problems• Productivity• Might put customers off• “We’re a business, not a charity”

Benefits of employing disabled people

• Wider pool of talent• Just as productive• Less time off sick• Better retention• Fewer workplace accidents• Reputation as “employer of choice”• Additional skills

Benefits of employing disabled people

• Better understanding of disabled customers• Benefits of diverse workforce• Customers prefer inclusive employers• Employees prefer inclusive employers• Retain staff who become disabled• Specific advantages• Better for all

Why might disabled people not apply?

• Inaccessible recruitment processes:o Advertso Application formso Unnecessary criteriao Poor interview questionso Unconscious bias

• Reputation• Perception• Past experience

How can we attract talented disabled candidates?

• Reputation/culture• Adverts• Accessible recruitment processes + support• Appropriate criteria• Manage third parties• Positive action• Networks• Partnerships• Accreditations• Guaranteed interview scheme• Offer reasonable adjustments• Trained staff

Questions for me?

Action

What will you do to ensure your organisation gains the benefits of

employing disabled people?