3 Reasons Hiring People with Disabilities is Good for Business
With job openings reaching record highs across the nation, companies from nearly every industry are facing difficulties finding and hiring the right workers for the right roles. Yet despite the urgent need for more employees, many hiring managers are missing out on an untapped and diverse pool of talent: people with disabilities. Due to harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about their capabilities, individuals with disabilities have long been left out of the workforce. At Ohio Valley Goodwill, we’re on a mission to change that!
We Put People to Work!
The fact is, employment is about so much more than a paycheck. Working is empowering, and it can be a great source of purpose and fulfillment in life. Everyone who wants to work deserves to experience the independence, self-confidence, and inclusion that comes from working and contributing to their community!
Not only does inclusive hiring benefit employees with disabilities, but it also offers powerful opportunities for companies to improve their culture, retention rates, and bottom line. Here are three important reasons why hiring people with disabilities is good for business:
#1: Create a Positive Work Culture
Fostering a positive, welcoming, and inclusive workplace culture is vital to the long-term success of any company. When a company takes the initiative to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace, it communicates to current workers, other businesses, and the community at large that the business respects and values each and every employee. Ultimately, hiring individuals with disabilities can boost morale, reduce turnover, and result in a better work environment for everyone.
#2: Gain Loyal Employees
People with disabilities bring unique talents to the workplace that benefit companies, co-workers, and customers alike. But, far too often, individuals who desire to work are overlooked by employers who don’t realize the value of their untapped potential.
When presented with the opportunity to work and contribute to a team, individuals with disabilities have been found to be incredibly loyal and hardworking employees. And, amid the current labor shortages, it will be all the more crucial for employers to rethink outdated hiring processes and consider the many advantages employees with disabilities bring to the workplace.
#3: Build Lasting Customer Relationships
The opportunity to establish a stronger connection with current and future customers is yet another compelling reason for companies to hire individuals with disabilities. One study found that 92% of consumers felt more favorable toward companies that hire individuals with disabilities. Of these participants, 87% said that they would prefer giving their business to organizations that hire workers with disabilities. Because customer loyalty is so critical for businesses of all industries, it goes to show that hiring people with disabilities can and will help increase the bottom line for today’s companies.
Help Goodwill Change Lives Through the Power of Work
While many companies are beginning to see the benefits of inclusive hiring, there’s still a long way to go. The good news is that we can all play a role in breaking down the barriers to employment and full community inclusion!
Donate to Goodwill and change a life!
One simple yet meaningful way to make an impact is by supporting Ohio Valley Goodwill’s mission to change lives through the power of work. Each time you choose to donate your gently-used items or shop at your local Ohio Valley Goodwill store, you help fund job skills training and employment services for local job seekers with disabilities and become a job creator in your community!
We invite you to learn more about Ohio Valley Goodwill’s programs and services and read the personal success stories of the people we are so proud to serve. As always, thank you for your support!
