Every employer has to establish a healthy, comfortable, and accessible workplace for everyone, including those with disabilities. After all, it isn’t easy for those with conditions that limit their activities, senses, or movements to enter a workforce. And making sure that the working environment is welcoming and safe will make a difference in elevating the productivity and happiness of your employees. With that in mind, here are a few ways to create a workplace that is inclusive and accessible.
Make known that your company is all-inclusive
For the differently-abled, having the courage to go through the company’s front doors is a massive undertaking. However, you can aid them in overcoming this obstacle by making it explicit that your workplace is all-inclusive and your business accommodates special needs as best as possible. If they’re aware of this status, they’ll be more comfortable working with you than they otherwise would.
Never be afraid to incorporate assistive technology into your business
If you want all your workers, especially those who suffer from disabilities, to perform well and maintain a consistently high level of productivity, incorporate assistive technology into your operations. Whether it’s a screen reading software or captioning and transcription services from the likes of Verbit, investing in these types of software can pay off in more ways than one, not the least of which is being ADA compliant. First, however, make sure that you carefully consider which tools will best benefit your employees. Doing so will give you greater returns.
Don’t underestimate the power of positive reinforcement
It may not sound like a big deal, but you’ll be surprised at how much of a difference a little motivation and positive reinforcement can have on the performance and disposition of your employees. Feelings of appreciation can considerably impact keeping your workers’ spirits high, even though the most trying times. It’s also helpful in helping those who have difficulties come to terms with and work around their disabilities.
There are times when all you need are words of encouragement. By practicing positive reinforcement in the workplace, you’ll be able to build up your employees’ confidence and keep them in a reasonable frame of mind so they can do their work as best as they can.
Encourage healthier lifestyles
No matter how accessible, comfortable, and friendly your workplace is, you mustn’t disregard the chance that certain aspects of your employees’ personal lives won’t get in the way of their responsibilities at work. Therefore, it’s good standard practice to promote both mental and physical well-being amongst your workers. By encouraging healthier lifestyles, you’ll be able to ensure that they’re as happy outside of the workplace as they are inside.
Conclusion
Inclusion and accessibility create better engagement and a greater degree of belonging. And for any organization to succeed in its endeavors, it must foster and encourage these practices in the workplace. Doing so won’t only instill purpose and elevate the performance levels of your employees. But more importantly, it will keep them happy with the business.
