Supporting Disabled Employees: A Guide for Business Owners
In today’s diverse workforce, it is essential for business owners to create an inclusive environment that supports the needs of all employees, including those with disabilities. According to statistics, approximately 21% of working-age adults have a disability or long-term health condition in the UK.
This means that even if you believe none of your employees have a disability, it is likely that at least one of them does, and it may be an invisible disability. While larger organisations often have employee resource groups to support disabled staff, smaller businesses may struggle to establish such groups due to their size.
That’s where the Inclusive Business Group comes in – a cross-organisational employee resource group dedicated to providing business owners with the support and guidance needed to create an inclusive workplace for disabled staff.
Learning How to Support Disabled Staff
As a business owner, it’s important to have a safe space where you can ask questions and seek guidance on supporting your disabled staff. The Inclusive Business Group offers “Ask Me Anything” sessions, allowing you to ask even the most uncertain questions.
This open forum enables you to gain valuable insights from experts in the field and provides an opportunity to expand your knowledge and understanding.
Workshops, Lunch and Learn Sessions, and HR Support
To further enhance your understanding of disabilities and conditions, the Inclusive Business Group organises workshops and lunch and learn sessions. These sessions cover a range of topics, including different disabilities and conditions, reasonable adjustments, and HR support. By participating in these informative sessions, you can acquire practical knowledge that will help you create an inclusive workplace environment for all employees.
Online Peer Group and Monthly Newsletter
The Inclusive Business Group understands the importance of continuous learning and sharing experiences. That’s why they provide access to an online peer group, where business owners can seek advice, share experiences, and learn from others who have faced similar challenges.
This platform ensures that you have a supportive network available to you at any time, allowing for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
Additionally, they send out a monthly newsletter that keeps you up to date on the latest disability-related workplace news. It includes informative articles, success stories, and examples of lived experiences, providing you with a valuable resource to stay informed and inspired. The more informed you are, the easier supporting disabled employees will become.
Consultancy Services and Partner Organisations
For comprehensive support in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion practices, the Inclusive Business Group offers consultancy services tailored to your business’s specific needs. Their team of experts can assist you in developing inclusive policies and practices that promote equality and support your disabled employees.
Furthermore, as a member of the Inclusive Business Group, you gain access to their partner organisations, which provide additional support services. These partners can offer HR support, employment law advice, and occupational health services, ensuring you have a comprehensive support network at your disposal.
Benefits of Supporting Disabled Employees for Your Business
Creating an inclusive and supportive workplace environment for disabled employees benefits your business in numerous ways. Happy and supported staff members are more likely to stay in their jobs for longer periods, leading to increased productivity and reduced absence rates and presenteeism.
By prioritising the well-being and needs of your disabled employees, you create a positive work culture that attracts and retains top talent.
Supporting Disabled Employees: Conclusion
As a business owner, it is your responsibility to foster an inclusive workplace environment that supports the needs of all employees, including those with disabilities. The Inclusive Business Group provides valuable resources, expert guidance, and a supportive network to help you achieve this goal.
By actively engaging with their services, you can gain the knowledge and support needed to become a fully disability-friendly organisation. Ultimately, creating a workplace where all employees can thrive and succeed benefits both your staff and your business as a whole.
Find out more about the support your staff will receive with your membership (link to support for SME staff article to go in here)
So, why wait? Join the Inclusive Business Group today and unlock a world of possibilities. Together, we can create an inclusive and empowering environment where disabled staff can flourish. All for just £30 a month per employee (discounts available for SMEs with more than 10 employees).
Contact us at info@theinclusivebusinessgroup.co.uk for more information and to sign up.
