The benefits of hiring workers with disabilities are numerous, not just for the hired individual but for employers and their current employees. Whether someone is a business owner or is engaged in hiring, you have the chance to advocate for adults with disabilities by incorporating them into your workforce.
The State of Disability Employment in Michigan
Did you know that 1 in 4 adults in the United States are currently living with a disability? The large size of this population increases the likelihood that every employer will have the chance to interview and hire an adult with a disability who is eager to work.
Unfortunately, despite the desire to contribute to their communities by working and earning a paycheck, adults with disabilities are unemployed at twice the rate of those without a disability. In fact, in Michigan, over 75% of disabled adults are unemployed. In Detroit, this statistic is even more unsettling, with less than 60% of disabled workers employed.
What to Expect When Hiring an Employee with a Disability
Motivated, loyal, passionate, dependent, and productive are just a few words employers and their employees have used to describe workers with disabilities.
While employers might be apprehensive about hiring disabled workers, team members with disabilities have proven to be an asset to their entire team.
Businesses that have diversified their workforce to include disabled workers have reported a 90% increase in retention of other valued employees. Furthermore, when asked how adding workers with various disabilities to the team impacted their workers, businesses reported a 72% increase in the productivity of their other employees. These are just a few examples of how an inclusive workforce benefits every person on the team.
Employers Reap the Benefits of Inclusive Hiring
Many employers express concern that hiring a worker with a disability may lead to higher costs, lower performance, or even increased turnover. However, employers who have trusted their work to these employees will tell you their experience is quite the opposite.
Compared to non-disabled employees, those hired with a disability are known to exhibit:
- Equal or better job performance
- Lower absenteeism rates
- Higher retention rates
- Better on-the-job safety records
In fact, hiring disabled workers means you:
- May qualify for incentives and tax credits
- Will see the morale of your other employees improve
- Could experience lower staff turnover
- Will improve your company culture by diversifying your workforce
The Greatest Benefit
While increased productivity and tax benefits might be great perks of inclusive hiring, there is a less obvious benefit—perhaps the most important one we’ve seen.
Francine Stroud, Vocational Services Program Manager, has seen firsthand the incredible impact a job can have on an individual in the program. She says, “Hiring one of our consumers empowers them to be a part of something that matters. So many of these adults have experienced discrimination and have been excluded from things their whole lives. The job they can secure gives them a deep sense of belonging.”
So, what’s the most significant benefit of hiring workers with disabilities? The best part is knowing that the job gives an individual the joy of acceptance.
As Francine concludes, “Hiring one of our clients means giving them the joy of being accepted. And that acceptance means everything to them.”
Next Steps as a Partner in Disability Employment
If your business or non-profit is interested in supporting individuals on their quest for employment, we are a great place to start! Together, we can help your company build an inclusive workforce and reap all the benefits of hiring disabled workers.
Our Disability Employment team is available to help your place of business prioritize inclusive hiring. There are multiple ways for employers to get involved in our program:
- Hiring a Worker Directly—This involves an individual applying for a job, being interviewed, and being hired by an employer. A Job Coach is provided to help the new employee acclimate to their new role.
- Offering Job Shadowing Opportunities—This involves interested employees in our program shadowing current employees as they perform their duties. It takes place over a couple of hours with the support of one of our employment specialists.
- Engaging in Short-Term Work Trials—This is a two-to-four-week experience, usually around 20 hours a week, during which individuals in our program can participate in a Work Trial, essentially an on-the-job evaluation. Job Coaches are provided to simplify the process, and the program is free to employers. Employers then have the option to offer a position to the client at the end of the trial.
- Enrolling in the Summer Work Program—This program is designed specifically for students in local schools to help prepare them for employment after graduation. The Summer Work Experience operates 20 hours a week, usually during weekdays. Job Coaches are provided to make the process easy, and the program is offered at no cost to employers. Employers then have the option to offer a position for the client at the end of the trial.
Hiring workers through our Disability Employment program means you will also receive:
- Qualified Candidates
- Workplace Evaluations
- Coaching Support
- Disability Awareness and Acceptance Training
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Let us help you build an inclusive workforce that will benefit your business, your employees, and our clients for years. Explore the possibilities by visiting our Disability Employment page or contacting Jenipher Guerin at (248) 837-2079 or email at jenipher_guerin@judsoncenter.org
For Potential Employer Resources, visit these helpful links: