Research from Utah State University indicates that successful employer-driven disability initiatives share common traits, even when the companies and programs differ in other aspects.

The study reveals that companies with leadership teams committed to including people with disabilities and guided by values deeply embedded in their organizations tend to experience improved performance, positive employee perceptions, and a cohesive, unified culture. The effectiveness of disability-inclusive actions and practices is influenced by how faithfully and prominently they are integrated into the organization.

While disability is common in society, it is not as prevalent in the US labor market. In 2023, the participation rate of people with disabilities in the workplace is nearly half that of people without disabilities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Department of Labor.

“Employer-driven disability initiatives can indeed have a positive impact on both company performance and organizational climate,” the researchers explain. “Our study identified the motivations and best practices that led to successful outcomes: Improved business and financial results, better morale, and unity within the company.”

A valuable asset

The findings imply that employers stand to benefit significantly by considering people with disabilities as a valuable and largely untapped segment of the workforce. The study drew insights from case studies conducted across seven companies of different sizes and industries.

Given the scarcity of research on this subject, the investigators aimed to enhance our understanding of employer-driven disability initiatives, exploring their motivations and examining their impact on company productivity and overall success. Notably, companies that took the most decisive actions in implementing these initiatives appeared to achieve the greatest success.

“It is powerful to appreciate how much inclusion in the workplace can be a competitive advantage. At the same time, it’s important to point out that companies adopting a disability initiative on more of a trial basis or with more skepticism generated less favorable results,” the researchers explain. “Many employers prioritize diversity but underinvest in providing support for people with disabilities.”