A diverse and inclusive workforce is essential in today’s competitive and changing work world. It includes people of different abilities, cultural backgrounds, ages, races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, and levels of professional experience. Employers who create and nurture a diverse and inclusive work culture are rewarded with employees who are better able to solve problems, be productive, and adapt to change.
Effective Employer Strategies to Attract and Retain a Diverse Workforce
Hiring and retaining people with disabilities is vital to creating diversity in the workplace. Here are some strategies employers can use to attract and retain a diverse workforce where all employees, including people with disabilities, feel valued and heard.
Mentoring and Coaching
Mentoring is a professional relationship that encourages personal growth, builds skills, and increases knowledge. Coaching helps employees learn new skills and improve their job performance. Look at these resources from EARN to learn more:
- Fact Sheet: Mentoring as a Disability Inclusion Strategy
- Strategies, tools, and activities: The Workplace Mentoring Playbook
- Training to improve workplace experiences of neurodivergent employees: Workplace Neurodiversity Initiatives
Workplace Flexibility, Including Remote Work
Employer flexibility in when, where, and how employees perform their jobs can be a clear signal to employees that they’re valued. EARN’s resources on remote work include:
- How employers can use remote work to retain employees with disabilities: Adopting an Integrated Telework Policy for Employees With and Without Disabilities
- Practical reasons employers should consider remote work: Leveraging the Shift to Remote Work to Increase Employment of People with Disabilities
- Strategies for developing and implementing hybrid work models that are equitable and accessible for all employees: Exploring the Possibilities: Disability-Inclusive Hybrid Work Models
Stay at Work/Return to Work Program
Employers who allow employees to return to work when appropriate, with or without work restrictions, can minimize health-related absences and optimize productivity. EARN offers these resources:
- Programs to help supervisors manage employee injuries, illnesses, and disabilities: EARN Stay at Work/Return to Work Resources
- Additional resources: Stay at Work/Return to Work programs
Take the Challenge!
Which of these strategies will you use to attract and retain a more diverse workforce? Explore more of EARN’s resources to discover other ways to retain employees who are better able to solve problems, be productive, and adapt to change.