Attracting Diverse Talent: The Power of Universal Design in the Workplace.

Universal design refers to the concept of creating products, environments, and systems that are accessible and usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their age, abilities, or disabilities. The goal of universal design is to allow everyone to experience the workplace to the fullest extent possible without the need for adaptations. By incorporating universal design principles into your workplace, you can make it more inclusive and appealing to a diverse range of talent. 

Here are a few reasons why universal design can help you attract more talent:

Inclusivity:

Universal design promotes an inclusive work environment that welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds and abilities. By prioritizing accessibility, demonstrate that your company values diversity and is committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees.

Attracting diverse talent:

When your workplace embraces universal design, it becomes an attractive option for individuals with disabilities or special needs. These candidates will bring unique perspectives, skills, and problem-solving abilities to your team, contributing to innovation and creativity.

Employee satisfaction: 

A universally designed workplace fosters a positive work experience for all employees. When employees feel supported and accommodated, they are more likely to be satisfied and engaged in their work. This, in turn, can lead to higher productivity, lower turnover rates, and a positive employer brand.

Customer appeal:

Universal design extends beyond the workplace to include products and services. By considering the diverse needs of your customers and incorporating universal design principles into your offerings, you can attract a wider customer base. This broader appeal can lead to increased market share and business growth.

Legal compliance:

In many countries, there are laws and regulations in place to promote accessibility and prohibit discrimination based on disabilities. By adopting universal design, you ensure compliance with these legal requirements, minimizing the risk of legal issues or negative publicity.

By embracing universal design, you not only create an inclusive work environment but also tap into a larger talent pool, enhance employee satisfaction, and potentially increase your customer base. 

Employers can embrace universal design by taking the following steps:

Accessibility in the workplace:

Ensure that your physical workspace is accessible to employees with disabilities. This includes providing ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, designated parking spaces, and adjustable workstations. Consider the needs of individuals with mobility challenges, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and other disabilities.

Inclusive policies and practices: 

Review your company policies and practices to ensure they are inclusive. This includes policies related to recruitment, hiring, training, career development, and accommodation. Implement practices that promote equal opportunities, such as providing reasonable accommodations during the hiring process and creating mentorship programs for employees with disabilities.

Communication and information accessibility:

Make sure your communication channels and information are accessible to all employees. Provide alternative formats for documents (e.g., large print, Braille, accessible PDFs) and ensure that your website, intranet, and other digital platforms comply with accessibility standards. Consider how meetings and events are conducted and whether these are accessible and take account of all types of thinkers and all types of disabilities.

Training and awareness: 

Offer training programs and awareness sessions to educate your employees about disability inclusion and the benefits of universal design. This can help foster a more inclusive and respectful workplace culture, promoting empathy, understanding, and collaboration.

Flexible work arrangements:

Implement flexible work arrangements that accommodate the diverse needs of your employees. This may include options such as telecommuting, flexible working hours, part-time schedules, or job sharing. Recognize that different individuals may have different needs and preferences and be open to discussing and accommodating them on a case-by-case basis.

Collaborate with disability organisations:

Engage with disability organisations or consultants who specialise in accessibility and universal design. They can provide guidance, resources, and insights to help you create a more inclusive workplace.

Remember that embracing universal design is an ongoing process. Regularly assess and evaluate your practices, solicit feedback from employees, and make adjustments as needed. By actively promoting inclusivity, you create a work environment that is attractive to new hires and where all employees can thrive and contribute their best.

If you would like to know more about how AMS can help you build a diverse workforce - then please reach out to me at tracy.soraghan@weareams.com