Demand for healthcare services continues to grow, meaning the healthcare industry constantly needs new hires. To attract a diverse and talented workforce, employers must create an inclusive environment that supports all employees, including those with disabilities.
Below, National Recruiters discusses various structures, benefits, and incentives you can implement to make your organization more appealing to new hires with disabilities. We’ll touch on making your job descriptions more inclusive, offering compensated skills assessments, building internship programs, and much more!
Editing Job Descriptions
One of the first steps to attracting new hires with disabilities is to revise your job descriptions to be more inclusive. Avoid using ableist language or phrases that might inadvertently exclude candidates with disabilities.
Instead, use phrases like “candidates with a range of abilities” or “accessible workplace“ to show that your organization is inclusive and supportive of all employees. Also, clearly state that your organization accommodates employees with disabilities and is committed to supporting their career goals and advancement.
Assigning Compensated Skills Assessments
Offering paid skills assessments allows job candidates to showcase their abilities in a more inclusive manner. You can compensate candidates for the time they spend completing these assessments, demonstrating that you value their skills, experience, and time.
Such assessments can also help you better understand each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses, which can inform your hiring decisions and foster an environment that’s better suited for future employees with disabilities. Cash is always a popular incentive, but you might try gift cards as another option; all you need is a reliable API (this may be the ideal solution) for an easy process!
Making a Brochure
Creating a brochure specifically for differently-abled job candidates can be an effective tool for appealing to new hires with disabilities. Your brochure can highlight your organization’s commitment to inclusion, accommodations offered, and resources available to team members.
It can also showcase success stories of employees with disabilities within your company, demonstrating that your workplace is accommodating and empowering. Look for a premade template that you can quickly customize with your own fonts, colors, images, and other elements.
Budgeting for an Internship Program
An internship program designed for people with disabilities can be a game-changer in attracting new hires. By dedicating resources and budgeting for such a program, you can demonstrate your commitment to providing equal opportunities and supporting career growth for individuals with disabilities. Internships can be a stepping stone to full-time employment and highlight your company’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive workforce.
Improving Your Work Culture
It’s crucial to develop an inclusive and supportive work culture. Take proactive steps to address potential biases or discrimination within your teams and ensure an open and respectful work environment for all employees.
Offering diversity and inclusion training and workshops can help cultivate a better understanding of disabilities and accommodations among staff. You should also ensure that you have a support system to address employee concerns or issues, further establishing trust and goodwill among potential hires.
Understanding Reasonable Accommodations
Lastly, familiarize yourself with the concept of reasonable accommodations defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes providing adjustments and modifications in the workplace that equip an eligible individual with a disability to perform essential job functions. Understanding what constitutes reasonable accommodations and demonstrating a willingness to provide them will help you create an inclusive and supportive environment for employees of all abilities.
Conclusion
If you want your healthcare organization to attract and retain top talent, you must make the necessary changes. Review your job descriptions, consider compensated skills assessments, create brochures, and implement the other ideas above. New hires with disabilities can make invaluable contributions to your organization, so let’s embrace diversity and work together to create a more inclusive future for the healthcare industry!
Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our healthcare staffing and recruiting services? Visit NationalRecruiters.com today!