Throughout the past 60 years, the meaning of the phrase, &ldquo;diversity in the workplace,&rdquo; has significantly evolved. Though its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-magazine/pages/title-vii-changed-the-face-of-the-american-workplace.aspx" rel="noopener" target="_blank">origins</a>&nbsp;stem from responses to the civil rights movement, over the past few decades diversity in the workplace has progressed not only to include race and gender, but other identity groups, such as religious, ethnic, and LGTBQ communities.
With each of these groups, research has proven that focusing on inclusion is not only the right thing to do, but it is also good for a company&rsquo;s bottom line. This is no less true for disability inclusion in the workplace and is one of the primary reasons why disability should be emphasized as an aspect of business diversity.
What are the primary business benefits of disability inclusion in the workplace?
A myriad of research supports the fact that successful disability inclusion strategies result in bottom-line benefits that show return on investment (ROI) for businesses. As the nation&rsquo;s largest minority group, (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0816-disability.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">1 in 4 Americans have disabilities</a>) people with disabilities have significant buying power.
In 2018, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) released a&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/5057002/GettingHired_November2019/Pdfs/Hidden-Market-Spending-Power-of-People-with-Disabilities-April-2018.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">report on the purchasing power of people with disabilities</a>, revealing that discretionary income for working-age people with disabilities is around $21 billion. This is greater than that of African-American and Hispanic market segments combined. By focusing on hiring and retaining people with disabilities and creating inclusive work environments, employers open up possibilities to connect with an often-overlooked market segment and ultimately increase revenue.
More specifically, employers who ensure disability inclusion is an aspect of their diversity initiatives consistently yield the following benefits:
<ul>
<li>Access to a broader talent pool with diverse skills and valuable new perspectives for problem-solving</li>
<li>Higher retention rates and lower absenteeism rates among employees with disabilities</li>
<li><a href="https://www.i4cp.com/trendwatchers/2014/10/15/what-your-d-i-policy-is-missing-employing-people-with-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Increased work ethic and higher work quality</a></li>
<li>Improved customer service and overall access to a larger consumer base as a result of understanding the needs of customers with disabilities</li>
<li>Enhanced overall staff morale and disability awareness</li>
<li>Greater product innovation</li>
<li>Stronger brand reputation, as research proves Americans view companies who hire people with disabilities more favorably</li>
</ul>
What are Businesses doing to Improve Disability Inclusion in the Workplace?
While many employers acknowledge the benefits of disability inclusion, and would even consider themselves diverse, quite often they dismiss or delay implementing inclusive practices. Recent initiatives, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thevaluable500.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Valuable 500</a>, aim to address the disparities in disability employment rates by focusing on internal and external strategies to ensure improved disability inclusion in the workplace.
Here are a few common practices:
<ul>
<li>Ensuring that disability inclusion is a board/executive leadership priority</li>
<li>Making employees, customers, and partners aware of the company&rsquo;s commitments to disability inclusion</li>
<li>Providing disability inclusion trainings for staff and managers</li>
<li>Increasing access within the company, including the physical environment, hiring process, web and media, communication systems, and more</li>
<li>Streamlining processes for&nbsp;reasonable accommodations requests</li>
<li>Forming disability&nbsp;<a href="http://www.askearn.org/topics/retention-advancement/employee-resource-groups-ergs/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)</a></li>
<li>Creating appropriate and collaborative evaluation methods</li>
<li>Developing partnerships with disability-serving organizations and other thought leaders in effective disability inclusion</li>
</ul>
Businesses that focus strategically on disability inclusion reap positive benefits. To learn more about how to make disability inclusion a diversity priority,&nbsp;contact the CareerCircle team at gettinghired@careercircle.com.
Contributions to this blog were made by Andra&eacute;a LaVant of Solutions Marketing Group.

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Here’s why it’s important to see disability as diversity in the workplace

The Importance of Recognizing Disability as Diversity in the Workplace

The world is an unpredictable place these days. We all need a refuge where we can get away from the realities that keep us awake at night. The workplace can be one of those places. Your staff should be able to walk through those doors and do their jobs without much drama or pressure from managers and coworkers. The unfortunate fact is that isn&rsquo;t always the case. A 2021 survey found that <a href="https://blog.dol.gov/2022/03/30/the-intersection-of-work-and-wellbeing-for-all-workers" rel="noopener" target="_blank">three in five employees have experienced work-related stress</a> and a recent survey proved that a startling <a href="https://www.zippia.com/advice/burnout-statistics/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">77% of employees have experienced burnout</a> over the past year.
&nbsp;
If your company isn&rsquo;t where it needs to be, we&rsquo;re here to help. We&rsquo;ve got advice on how important mental health in the workplace can be, how to provide a positive environment, and how managers can provide the necessary support.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
<h2>Why Mental Health in the Workplace Is Important </h2>
The staff's mental health needs to be the top priority. That&rsquo;s mostly because your employees should feel secure when they go to work and know that they can complete their tasks without unnecessary stress. If you care about your employees and their well-being, you should naturally want to help them feel appreciated and unburdened. 
&nbsp;
If that wasn&rsquo;t enough of a reason, consider that employees who feel better at their desks will also perform to higher standards because they know the company has their backs. This is especially important in customer-facing roles. Because of the recent pandemic and the stress of interacting with unhappy patrons, the mental health of customer-facing employees is more important than ever. If your workers are overburdened or they feel stressed at work, then they may buckle under the pressure or provide poor customer service, and that doesn&rsquo;t help anyone. 
&nbsp;
Ensuring that everyone feels comfortable at work means that employees are more likely to stay at your company. Employee retention has many benefits, including strengthened company culture, increased productivity, and improved employee morale. One way to encourage your current staff to stay with you for years to come is to make sure that your employees feel appreciated and that your company culture allows them to thrive. Part of a healthy company culture means having a diverse workforce, which includes people of color and LGBTQIA+ employees, where everyone is treated with respect. It isn&rsquo;t enough to just hire a diverse set of candidates; you should also ensure that your company culture is supportive. 
&nbsp;
Your culture can also improve overall employee morale when there&rsquo;s an awareness of intersectionality and how it matters to individual experience in the workplace. <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/intersectionality-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Intersectionality</a> is the idea that people are complex and have multiple, intersecting identities and social characterizations that influence who they are and the challenges they may face. Companies that understand the intricacies of intersectionality can create workplace cultures that are more welcome to all, which is especially important when addressing mental health concerns in the workplace. 
<h2>How To Support Employees&rsquo; Mental Health </h2>
You can put numerous programs in place to support employees who may feel stressed or overburdened from time to time. A simple idea is for managers to begin a program of regular mental health check-ins, where employees are given a time when they can speak freely about their concerns and know that their discussions are kept confidential and that they will get the help they deserve. Business owners could also implement an employee assistance program that includes counseling sessions and access to therapists as part of company-offered health insurance 
&nbsp;
Many employees also become stressed when they have a lot going on at home and their work shifts don&rsquo;t allow them time to take care of personal issues. To prevent issues there, consider implementing <a href="https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-well-being/2022-mental-health-support" rel="noopener" target="_blank">flexible schedules</a>, where an employee may be able to start later in the day or leave early and make up the time later on. In addition to this flexibility, consider providing mental health days, which would be paid time off where the worker can stay home, take care of things, get some rest, and return to work feeling mentally refreshed.
&nbsp;
A key component necessary for improving the customer experience and supporting good employee morale is for management to provide the tools the employees need to complete their jobs as easily and efficiently as possible. Individuals who believe their workplace has prepared them adequately for their job responsibilities are more likely to go above and beyond when assisting customers. This means that your patrons will be happier overall, and this positive cycle will benefit your business. If you&rsquo;re not sure what tools your employees require, then bring them in and ask them. 
<h2>What To Do If Your Employees Do Show Mental Health Concerns </h2>
Many management teams tend to focus on how to prevent mental health issues from occurring in the first place, and that&rsquo;s important. However, so is understanding how to help your employees when they&rsquo;re already showing signs of declining mental health. These signs may include increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, low levels of engagement, withdrawal from social situations, or even a combination of several of these issues.
&nbsp;
When you notice a difference in an employee's behavior, stop and talk to them. Ask what they need and then help to provide a solution. If the workload is the culprit, lighten their load for now or ask what changes will help them feel less stressed throughout the day. Ensure that they&rsquo;re taking their breaks throughout the day and encourage them to get outside and take in some fresh air so they can return to a better mental place. 
&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s just as important to know what you <a href="https://www.zocdoc.com/blog/dos-and-donts-of-supporting-someone-with-mental-illness/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">should not do around someone who is struggling with mental health</a>. Don&rsquo;t engage in toxic positivity by insisting that they should be happy with what they have. Give the employee space to talk about their needs and be patient. Remember too that not all employees may feel comfortable discussing their mental health needs with you, and respecting boundaries is crucial.
&nbsp; 
In conclusion, supporting your employees&rsquo; mental health by providing a positive and supportive work environment is essential for a successful business. Show your staff that you care, and their appreciation and satisfaction will shine through in their work. 
<div style="text-align: center;">The CareerCircle platform is designed to&nbsp;connect you with the best and brightest candidates who bring unique perspectives and experiences to your team. Inclusion is not just a buzzword, it's a competitive advantage in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Companies that prioritize equity and inclusion enjoy increased innovation, creativity, and employee satisfaction. Contact us at gettinghired@careercircle.com and take the first step toward building a more inclusive and successful workplace! <a href="https://www.gettinghired.com/employer/registration" rel="noopener" target="_blank"></a> </div>

<hr>
 
Content Contributor:
Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She is interested in better living through technology and education. She loves traveling to beautiful places and is frequently lost in a good book. <img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/o3NE4fHYSgyIerkMBycI" width="236" height="236">

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Supporting Your Employees' Mental Health in the Workplace | Getting Hired

Supporting Your Employees' Mental Health in the Workplace

It can be overwhelming to navigate the freelance market. Of the<a href="https://ddiy.co/freelance-statistics/"> </a><a href="https://ddiy.co/freelance-statistics/">3.38 billion</a> people in the global workforce, 1.57 billion are freelancers. It can seem like a wild world! But breathe. We'll tell you how to continue earning a good income by freelancing today. Feeling that "you are not alone" might be scary initially, but that is also an assurance. Why? Because we are in a gig economy.
Because you are in demand, because you have the skills, now you need a roadmap. This article will give you that and more. Let's go! 
<h2>Who is a Freelancer? </h2>
A better term for a "freelancer" is a "solopreneur." A freelancer does not work with just one employer or company but instead works independently on a project-by-project basis.
They're the cool cats of the working world, with the freedom to set their hours, choose their projects, and work from wherever they want. They're a little bit entrepreneur, a little bit artist, and their own bosses. 
<h2>The Perks of Being a Freelancer in 2023 </h2>
<ul>
<li> You have flexible working hours. You decide when you want to work. All you need to take care of is meeting deadlines. You are your boss (and can be in pajamas!)</li>
<li> You are location-independent, so travel and become a digital nomad! You can still keep that stream of income coming. You also save time and money on intercity travel.</li>
<li> You can undertake a diverse range of projects. This will also keep you interested and ward off monotony. </li>
<li> There is no limit to how much you can earn. The more work you take on, the more money you make.</li>
<li> You can have a<a href="https://www.gettinghired.com/blog/4539/benefits-of-remote-jobs-from-flexibility-to-work-life-balance-or-getting-hired"> </a>better work-life balance and more time for things you are passionate about. For example, 70% of freelancers, who were part of a<a href="https://ddiy.co/freelance-statistics/"> </a>survey, said they were doing what they were for an improved work-life balance. There is a flip side to this too. You can overwork yourself and have weekend deadlines. You should know where to draw the line. </li>
<li> No workplace politics!</li>
</ul>
 
<div><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/kyvEK13SR1GPfeOh4zeg"> </div>
<h2>10 Tips to Navigate the Freelance Market in 2023</h2>
<h3> Find Your Niche</h3>
Being a Jack or Jill of all trades might not work in your favor. So instead, pick a niche and become an expert at what you do. This will help you stand out from the crowd and get you gigs constantly. 
<h3>Look Up</h3>
Not many understand the importance of having a positive attitude toward freelancing. Stay positive, have a good attitude, and nothing can stop you. What do we mean by a good attitude? Let's explain that with an example.
Let's say a client rejected your assignment without an explanation. Taking the rejection to heart might not work out well for you. If you understand they are rejecting your work and not rejecting you, you can deal with it better. Ask for detailed feedback and move on! 
<h3>Networking</h3>
Not all freelancers are comfortable with going out and talking to people. But that is not all that we mean by networking. Networking today can also mean having an online presence, interacting with people online, and posting on platforms like LinkedIn to get to know others.
You can also get to know people at events that are not meant for that purpose -- say, story sessions or open mics. 
<h3>Consistency</h3>
You may have to start small, but the important thing is to keep going. Don't slack off because you do not have someone to oversee your work. Self-discipline is the keyword! 
<h3>Upskill Constantly</h3>
Learning and growth should never stop. You can never know everything. Having that modesty and a curious mind will not only help you increase your skill level but also help you stay relevant. For instance, if you are a writer, take a course in a different writing genre.
Take a grammar assessment. Learn another language. 
<h3>Build a Good Portfolio</h3>
Have a portfolio ready of what you can do, what you have done, and a brief about yourself. Having a website is a must today. Build one and upload your articles there. 
<h3>Choose Strategically</h3>
In the beginning, you may take up anything that comes your way to make a buck. Change that with time. Choose what you are interested in and what also pays well.
What tasks would look good on your portfolio? What would you really enjoy working on? 
<h3>Set Your Goals</h3>
One of the biggest mistakes most freelancers make is to work without a goal instead of towards one.
The plan could be anything. To work with 100 clients in 5 years. To have USD 10000 to travel. To save up for retirement. To have x number of followers. To become an expert in your field. This would help you get some perspective. It will also keep you motivated. 
<h3>Seek Mentorship</h3>
There are people in every profession who have been there and done that. Seeking their advice can help you avoid making the mistakes they had. They can guide you when you are stuck, help you network, and more. 
<h3>Bonus</h3>
<ul>
<li> Collect client testimonials and showcase them wherever you can. People trust other people more than ads. </li>
<li> Have a blog (text, audio, or video), even if you are not a writer. For example, if you are an SAP expert, write thought leadership posts on that. Show that you know what you are doing. </li>
<li> Lastly, ALWAYS deliver. Meet deadlines. Understand the brief. And exceed expectations. This helps in cultivating trust. </li>
</ul>
 Challenges are another essential thing you need to be aware of while navigating the freelance job market. Brace for those. Expect the worst and prepare for that so you are not caught off guard. 
<hr>

<h4 style="text-align: center;">Searching for a new position or switching careers? To apply and discover more about opportunities that are HIRING NOW, create an account at <a href="https://www.careercircle.com" rel="follow">careercircle.com</a>! </h4>

Are you a freelancer with a great set of skills? All you need is a roadmap to navigate that market. We've got that for you.

Navigating the Freelance Market | Getting Hired

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Staff Writer

144 Articles

The Importance of Recognizing Disability as Diversity in the Workplace

Supporting Your Employees' Mental Health in the Workplace

Navigating the Freelance Market