Are You Looking to Hire Differently-Abled People? Here’s How
As a business owner, it’s important to give people a chance and not overlook those who are differently-abled. But where do you start, and how can you attract potential candidates? In this guide shared by MasterPay USA, you will learn helpful tips to implement your new hiring strategy.
Create an Inclusive Culture in the Workplace
Creating a more inclusive culture is one way to attract differently-abled new hires. Making sure your website can work with assistive devices and offering career planning opportunities are two other ways.
If you aren’t currently set up to accommodate differently-abled people, whether at the workplace or on your website, take steps to execute an action plan that sees to it that these things are resolved.
Housekeeping Items
To help you stay on course, follow these housekeeping items in your journey to expand your hiring strategy:
- Create a more inclusive culture for employees who may have different abilities
- Make sure your website can work with assistive devices
- Offer career planning opportunities
- Create internship programs for those with disabilities
- Budget for reasonable accommodations in the workplace
- Streamline your payroll system with the help of MasterPay USA
- Revamp your recruitment process
- Use a pamphlet template to create new, up-to-date employee information
Some of these may take you some time to implement. But what’s important is that you get a start on them to ensure a more welcoming application process.
What’s more, you should make sure your business is fully established with the state in order to maintain tax compliance and to obtain your EIN. This is crucial when you’re hiring staff because the IRS uses it for payroll taxes, and it’s required for offering your employees retirement plans.
You can get an EIN through the IRS. In addition, you’ll also need a W-9 from all of your new hires before they start work. This form is used for payroll taxes and is required when an employee has cash wages exceeding a certain amount for the year.
One of the more common benefits provided by employers to employees is health insurance. Other incentives can include things like bonuses, incentive programs, or flexible hours. For example, one company offers free parking in their garage as a way to make it easier for someone with disabilities to get to work.
What Are Some Ways to Attract Differently-Abled New Hires?
One way to attract differently-abled new hires is to create a more inclusive culture. When your business conducts interviews, make sure that you’re asking people about their abilities rather than their disabilities. You can ask questions like: “What accommodations do you need?” or “What are some ways that we can make this workplace more accessible for you?”
Another way to attract differently-abled new hires is to offer career planning opportunities. This can be as simple as offering internships or other programs at your company that gives newcomers the chance to explore different career paths. It’s always good to have employees who are able to assist in other departments, too.
A third way would be to budget for reasonable accommodations in the workplace. These might include things like ramps, better lighting, and so on. Not everyone has disabilities, but it never hurts to offer these things when recruiting new staff members.
A fourth way is by revamping your recruitment process, so it’s easier for differently-abled people to take part in. For example, ask whether people need a sign language interpreter during an interview and if they will be bringing a companion with them during the process.
Lastly, ensure that your website can work with assistive devices before posting a job listing online. This includes making sure your webpage loads smoothly on all browsers and offers keyboard shortcuts for those who might not have use of one arm or hand.
