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The astonishing imperatives of disability inclusion in leadership
As business leaders, you probably dream of a thriving workplace where your employees are engaged, committed, happy, and productive — most of the organizations I serve do! But what if I told you that the vast majority of organizations have their fair share of employees who struggle, feel miserable, and feel like they are not supported in a way that allows them to meaningfully contribute to the success of the business they work for?
I’m not talking about the employees who no longer care or those who chose to quietly quit during or after Covid. I’m talking about another group, those who feel invisible and ignored — the 15 to 20% of your workforce living with various disabilities and neurodiverse conditions and who are not getting the support and encouragement that they crave to contribute meaningfully…
You know, the ones we never talk about? The ones we know next to nothing about?
It’s pretty clear in 2024 that diversity is no longer something we can afford to only pay lip service to. Organizations that really thrive these days are the ones that celebrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a cornerstone of their success. With this mindset and commitment comes the vision that every person, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, is worthy of being valued, recognized, and empowered.
Yet, despite the data, disability inclusion is often a neglected aspect in the broader scope of DEI. More than a missed opportunity, this neglect is a significant oversight when it comes to harnessing a diverse workforce’s full potential! An essential aspect of benevolent leadership, disability inclusion is a game-changer for operations and a key pillar of any good business strategy.
Let’s explore why. And how.
The business case for disability inclusion
Hear me out; disability inclusion is one of your most under-utilized strategic advantages! With a growing portion of their workforce starving for support, recognition, and the opportunity to prove their value, leaders who embrace disability inclusion as the missing piece of their DEI initiatives are reaping the benefits of diverse perspectives that unlock even more innovation and creativity within…
