More than 4 million people in Australia are living with some form of disability. That means one in five of us. Nearly 80% disabled people acquire their disability between 18 and 64 years of age, which is the average working age. Due to their disability, these people are 50% more likely to be unemployed. Fortunately, businesses today have greater opportunities to include people with disabilities into the workforce – as employees and managers. Disability inclusion can help a business in many ways, from bottom-line advantages to brand loyalty.

Any workplace should give equal opportunity to a candidate having the abilities to fulfill a job role regardless of a disability or impairment. Hiring people with disabilities is “the right thing to do” for employers because people with disabilities can bring the needed skills and contribute substantially to the company. The benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce outweigh the potential risks and expenses. Let us explore the value of disability inclusion, and the benefits your company can gain by being more inclusive to people with disabilities.

According to recent reports, companies embracing disability inclusion have shown about 28% higher revenue, double net income, and 30% higher economic profit margins over a period of four years. The number of people with disabilities entering the Australian workforce is experiencing a new high, which is good for the economy, for the disabled people, and for employers.

The benefits of inclusive workplaces are numerous. Here we look at some of them.

Access to Untapped Talent Pool

Companies focusing on skills instead of stereotypes have access to an untapped pool of talent. Majority of Australians with disabilities are determined to work. They bring unique characteristics and skills to the organization which can benefit employers as well as the company.

Higher Productivity

The employees in an organization work together to achieve a goal. A diverse workforce can boost productivity levels by engaging a wide variety of talents. Employees learn from strengths and experiences of each other and bring fresh ideas to the table.

Greater Innovation

An inclusive workplace includes employees with diverse experiences and varied approaches to problem solving. Workers with different viewpoints and perspectives can assess situations in a different light, leading to quicker problem solving and decision making. With the COVID-19 induced unprecedented situation and economic crisis, organizations across industries need new ideas, new efforts, and new leadership to rebuild the economy and make it more inclusive.

Higher Employee Engagement and Retention

Disabled employees who feel included have increased levels of Engagement, loyalty and enthusiasm.

Bottom-Line Benefits

Disability inclusion can boost a company’s bottom line, generating higher revenues and financial incentives. A company starting to be more inclusive to people with disabilities can be eligible for financial incentives like tax credits, grants for on-the-job-training, etc. Thus, hiring people with disabilities can turn more cost-positive than the expenses involved.

Better Brand Loyalty

Customers feel loyalty towards companies which are committed to an inclusive workplace. It creates goodwill and better reputation for the brand.

If you want to build a more inclusive culture within your organization and create a more supportive environment for employees with disabilities, you can visit atWork Australia, a trusted employment services provider for people with disabilities.