Inclusive Hiring: Why Disability Inclusion Matters

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Feb 18 2025

Unlocking talent, driving innovation, and building a more inclusive society - all these can be achieved by inclusive hiring practices. While some companies still see it as a challenge, the reality is that businesses benefit just as much as employees do when they prioritize disability inclusion.

Let’s talk numbers

According to the European Council, “27% of the EU population over the age of 16 had some form of disability.” Yet, the employment rate for people with disabilities is only 50.8%, compared to 75% for those without. This gap represents a vast, untapped pool of talent that could help address labour shortages and drive economic growth.

Companies that embrace disability inclusion are seeing real results. A study by Accenture found that organizations leading in disability employment achieve 28% higher revenue and double their net income compared to others. These businesses experience better employee retention, increased customer loyalty, and stronger workplace morale.

A collage of four images showcasing workplace inclusion: a man with Down syndrome working in a café, a worker with headphones using a tablet in an industrial setting, a farmer with a prosthetic leg harvesting tomatoes, and a professional woman in a wheelchair in discussion with a colleague.

Making Workplaces More Accessible

Hiring inclusively is only the first step - ensuring that employees with disabilities can thrive in the workplace is just as important. Successful companies implement initiatives such as:

Physical and Digital Accessibility: Providing ramps, adjustable desks, and screen-reader-compatible software improves the experience for all employees.

Flexible Work Policies: Remote work and adaptive schedules benefit not only employees with disabilities but also caregivers and those managing chronic health conditions.

Workplace Training: Raising awareness and fostering an inclusive culture leads to stronger teams and better collaboration.

Those who lead by example

Employers across Europe are beginning to recognize these advantages. For example, Hilton has partnered with the Down’s Syndrome Association to provide employment opportunities, enhancing both workplace morale and operational efficiency. Similarly, Indeed reported a six-fold increase in job postings mentioning neurodiversity since 2019, indicating a growing commitment to hiring diverse talent.

Policy and Legal Considerations

The push for inclusion isn’t just about good business—it’s also becoming a legal expectation. Regulations like the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the upcoming Social Taxonomy are setting new standards for accessibility in hiring and workplace design. Businesses that align with these policies early will not only ensure compliance but also position themselves as leaders in a changing workforce.

A text box with a lightbulb icon and the message: "All in all, disability inclusion in hiring is a win-win."

Disability inclusion opens doors for skilled professionals, strengthens businesses, and contributes to a more equitable society. By making efforts to hire an support disabled employees and making workplaces more accessible and inclusive, companies are not just doing the right thing - they’re building a future-proof workforce.

About Access4you

Businesses of all segments can make real social impact thanks to accessibility certificates such as the Access4you Certification, which is meant to benefit both society and business as a whole.

Access4you International is a social impact company that assesses, certifies, and qualifies the accessibility of the built environment. The Access4you Certification testifies that the building owner prioritizes inclusion and ensures that detailed and reliable accessibility information about the location is available for 8+1 groups with accessibility needs: Wheelchair users; the Elderly and people with limited mobility; the Blind; visually impaired people, the Deaf, the hard of hearing; people with cognitive impairments; people pushing prams; and people with service dogs.

Learn more about our story, check out our services or see how you can become an Access4you Accredited Partner!

Sources

Council of the European Union. Disability in the EU: Facts and Figures.

Disability Hub Europe. International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Reinforcing Social, Inclusive, and Fair Workplaces.

Accenture. Companies Leading in Disability Inclusion Have Outperformed Peers, Accenture Research Finds.

HRD Connect. Hilton’s Long-Term Learning Disabilities Recruitment Strategy Increases Engagement and Business Performance.

Diverse Jobs Matter. Hiring Neurodivergent Workers Gives UK Companies Competitive Edge as Job Listings for Neurodiversity Surge to 2.1%.