IPR Report Reveals Gaps in Communication and Support When Addressing Disabilities in the Workplace
In partnership with Voya Financial, the Institute for Public Relations (IPR) conducted a comprehensive survey titled "Disabilities in the Workplace: Culture, Communication, Support, and Inclusion." This report aims to shed light on employee perceptions regarding disability support and inclusion within organizations, focusing on how initiatives and programs are communicated. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that only 17% of people with disabilities were employed in 2020 compared to 61% without disabilities, the study emphasizes the need for more effective support structures and communication strategies in the workplace.
Key Findings
Experiencing Aggressions: More than half of employees with disabilities reported witnessing or experiencing both macroaggressions and microaggressions related to disabilities in the workplace several times a year.
Familiarity with Disability Plans: Forty percent of respondents were not familiar with their organization's position or strategic plan related to disabilities in the workplace. Only slightly over one-third were "very familiar" with such plans, indicating a lack of awareness.
Effective Communication: Around 50% of employees believed their companies effectively communicated internally and externally about leadership's commitment to disability inclusion. However, both employees with and without disabilities expressed a desire to learn more about disability inclusion within their organization.
Representation in Media: The majority (73%) of employees expressed the desire to see people with disabilities represented in commercials, advertisements, and social media. However, only a third reported their organizations actually featuring people with disabilities on these platforms.
Caregiving and Disclosure: A significant number of individuals with disabilities and caregivers have not disclosed their status to their employers, with fears of being fired, ridiculed, or retaliated against being the primary concern.
Impact on Retention: Approximately 4-in-10 respondents with disabilities and nearly 5-in-10 caregivers reported scaling back their work hours or leaving their jobs due to their disability or caregiving responsibilities, indicating the potential impact on employee retention.
The "Disabilities in the Workplace" report highlights the importance of effective communication and support structures for individuals with disabilities and caregivers within organizations. The findings reveal significant gaps in awareness and implementation of disability inclusion initiatives. To create a more inclusive workplace, organizations must prioritize disability inclusion and ensure that employees are well-informed about the strategies in place. By addressing these issues, businesses can foster a culture of support, ultimately benefiting employees and enhancing retention rates.
