FINAL WORD
Group across 16 countries and various industries , 25 % of employees said they had a disability . In South Africa , the figure was 24 %. But on average across the world , employers report only 4 – 7 % of employees are people with disabilities . That means that employers are potentially ignoring the needs of almost a quarter of their workforce .
In South Africa , 46 % of people with disabilities who had not disclosed their disability said it was because they feared discrimination and bias , and 54 % of people with disabilities who had disclosed it said they had personally experienced discrimination .
• Ensure general training is available to all employees
• Use digital tools to adapt workplaces
• Ensure digital platforms , tools , processes are accessible
Using the BLISS score
BCG has developed a tool to measure employees ’ sense of inclusion , called the BLISS Index , Bias- Free , Leadership , Inclusion , Safety and Support . In South Africa , people with disabilities ’ BLISS score was four points lower than that of their health peers .
People with disabilities , also report lower levels of inclusion than other groups that are the focus of diversity , equity and inclusion efforts : women , the LGBTQ + community and historically-disadvantaged individuals . If employers are not fully aware of these difficulties , it is impossible to put appropriate policies in place .
Some of ILO ’ s recommendations for employers are
• Review talent acquisition programmes to target people with disabilities
BCG recommends that employers foster a greater sense of inclusion by putting in place employeecentric policies and programmes , mentorships , and by providing reasonable accommodations .
www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA 75