The Business Case for Disability Inclusion
Companies that embrace best practices for employing and supporting persons with disabilities in their workforce have outperformed their peers.
Wisconsin employers are facing a hiring, retention, and labor shortage crisis.
There are 2.4 open positions for every one job seeker in the state. Meanwhile, only 21.3% of people with disabilities are employed, meaning that there are hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites who are ready, willing, and able to work.
The good news is that businesses are increasingly employing persons with disabilities and initiating and developing their disability inclusion programs.
The business case for hiring persons with disabilities has never been stronger.
Leading disability-inclusive companies have realized 1.6x more revenue, 2.6x more net income, and 2x more economic profit than their peers. They are also 25% more likely to outperform on productivity compared to their industry peers. Employers who commit to these efforts see the benefits both in the productivity and drive of their employees and their company performance.
Investing in disability inclusion isn’t just the right thing, it’s the smart thing.
An Untapped Talent Pool
How we define disability
We define persons with disabilities as a person reporting that they have difficulty performing day-to-day activities (e.g. walking, communicating, hearing, seeing even if wearing glasses) because of a mental, intellectual, sensory, or physical health condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least six months. Since 80% of disabilities are acquired between the ages of 18 and 64, it’s crucial to remember that anyone can become a person with a disability at any time; there is no “us” and “them.”
Wisconsin employers are hiring, and people with disabilities are ready to work.
Despite the strength of the labor market across the country and especially Wisconsin, persons with disabilities1 are strikingly under-employed. As of 2022, only 37 percent of Americans of working age with disabilities participated in the workforce, compared with 75 percent of Americans without a disability. The unemployment rate for persons with disabilities was more than twice that for those without a disability.
With more than 1.2 million adults living with disabilities in Wisconsin, if companies embrace disability inclusion they gain access to a new talent pool of potential employees.
That represents a significant opportunity to strengthen our businesses and our state’s economy.
The number of companies empowering their employees with disabilities has increased significantly in recent years, but there is still much work to be done.
To unleash the trapped value within the persons-with-disabilities community, companies can not be merely compliant or acting out of perceived obligation. They must excitedly embrace the advantages that come with employing more creative, industrious and well-rounded people.
Taking action to invest in an inclusive, accessible workplace is a clear path to a stronger workforce and a more resilient business.
A Stronger Business
1.6x
More Revenue
2.6x
More Net Income
2x
More Economic Profit
25%
Higher Productivity
Investing in disability inclusion and accessibility is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic advantage that can significantly enhance an organization's performance, innovation, and reputation.
Inclusive workplaces create a culture of belonging, where all employees feel valued and supported. This leads to higher levels of employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Companies that prioritize inclusion see lower turnover rates, reducing recruitment and training costs.
By removing barriers and providing support, organizations can enable all employees to perform at their best, contributing to overall organizational success.
A commitment to disability inclusion enhances a company's reputation as a socially responsible organization. Consumers increasingly prefer to engage with brands that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion, leading to increased customer loyalty and market share. And, of course, workers are consumers, too. The GDP could get a boost up to $25 billion if just 1 percent more of persons with disabilities joined the U.S. labor force.
Research has shown that leading disability-inclusion businesses outperform their peers in financial performance. Companies that have led on key disability inclusion criteria have realized 1.6x more revenue, 2.6x more net income, and 2x more economic profit. They are also 25% more likely to outperform on productivity compared to their industry peers that have not participated in the survey, measured as revenue per employee.
Investing in disability inclusion is not just about doing the right thing; it also makes good business sense.
The Disability Inclusion Opportunity
Disability inclusion represents a transformative opportunity for employers to enhance their workforce, drive innovation, and create a more equitable workplace.
As organizations recognize the value of diverse perspectives, they are increasingly turning to disability inclusion as a strategic priority. By actively seeking to include individuals with disabilities in the workforce, employers tap into a diverse talent pool that brings unique skills and perspectives. People with disabilities possess a wealth of experience and creativity, contributing to a richer and more innovative workplace.
Embracing disability inclusion empowers organizations to foster an environment where different viewpoints lead to creative solutions and fresh ideas. This diversity of thought enhances problem-solving capabilities and drives organizational success.
Inclusive workplaces lead to higher employee morale and engagement. When individuals with disabilities are welcomed and supported, it fosters a sense of belonging that resonates throughout the organization, positively impacting all employees.
The disability inclusion opportunity is not about charity; it's about embracing the potential of a diverse workforce that can drive innovation and success.
Employers who recognize and act on this opportunity position themselves as leaders in their industries while fostering a culture of inclusion that benefits everyone.By taking steps to enhance disability inclusion within their organizations, employers create workplaces that are not only equitable but also thriving centers of creativity and productivity.
The time to act is now—embrace the opportunity to make a lasting impact on your organization and the communities you serve.
Become A Member
Connect with our team to learn more about joining Disability:IN Wisconsin and partnering with a statewide coalition of like-minded leaders.