The essentials for making your workspace more accessible to people with disabilities and facilitating inclusive recruitment.
The inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace is essential for promoting equal opportunities and maximizing each employee's potential. Making a workspace more accessible requires a comprehensive approach that considers various aspects. Handi Conseils reveals the key elements to creating an inclusive work environment.
For every problem, there's a solution.
The first step in making a workspace more accessible is to assess the specific needs of employees with disabilities. This assessment can be conducted through individual interviews, questionnaires, or consultations with accessibility experts. The goal is to understand the unique challenges faced by employees and to determine the necessary adjustments to facilitate their daily work.
It’s essential to start by observing what happens on the ground. Based on the observations made, you should then ask the right questions about the problematic elements. Once the issues are identified, the next step is to think about possible solutions. Finally, the solution is implemented. An adjustment may seem simple, but there’s a whole process of reflection behind it.
Everything is designed with a specific purpose in mind. Generally, solutions to accessibility issues involve physical adjustments and assistive technologies. On one hand, physical adjustments consist of modifying the work environment to make it more accessible through tangible objects. For example, installing access ramps and elevators are physical adjustments.
Creating accessible restrooms is a physical adjustment. Adjusting the height of desks and workspaces is another physical adjustment. Of course, this list is not exhaustive, and adjustments don't stop there. You can make your premises more accessible through various types of modifications, such as reserved parking spaces, Braille signage, color contrasts, and many other actions.
On the other hand, assistive technologies play a crucial role in improving accessibility, especially in the workplace. Ergonomic mice and keyboards are examples of assistive technologies. Hearing aid systems are another form of assistive technology. Screen magnifiers also fall into this category. Essentially, anything that compensates for individual needs or simply prevents health deterioration counts as an accessibility solution.
At Handi Conseils, our accessibility solutions range from facility-wide adjustments to individual workstations. Our status as an Adapted Company allows us to reintegrate professionals into RQTH in the socio-professional environment, with over 55% of our workforce being individuals with disabilities, it is our duty to make our work environment accessible to people with disabilities.
There is a ramp to access the building, an elevator, wide entrances, and accessible restrooms. Additionally, each employee is entitled to have their workstation adapted according to their needs and requirements. From ergonomic mice to adjustable chairs, there are options for everyone.
We provide our employees with all the comfort they need for working in optimal conditions.
The keys to quality adaptation
All this brainstorming requires employees to adapt to a work environment that is more centered on kindness. Training and raising awareness among employees are essential to create an inclusive work environment. To achieve this, it is necessary to organize training sessions on diversity and inclusion. These sessions aim to raise awareness among staff about the challenges faced by colleagues with disabilities.
These sessions help promote positive and respectful attitudes and also teach best practices for communication and collaboration. At Handi Conseils, we have a "Charter for Living Together" established by the company's President. Each employee receives it in their welcome booklet upon joining and it is also available digitally for easy reference.
Awareness sessions also provide the opportunity to educate on the use of assistive technologies and available adjustments. Additionally, to support accessibility, it is crucial to implement inclusive policies and procedures. Recruitment policies that encourage diversity are essential, and procedures for adapting to meet employees' specific needs are fundamental.
I highly recommend the following for optimized adaptation: guidelines for the accessible design of new workspaces, as well as emergency plans that consider the needs of people with disabilities. If you’re not very comfortable with the topic and feel a bit lost, don’t stress—Handi Conseils is here to help!
Training on the inclusion of workers with disabilities and support for making workspaces accessible are part of our strategic areas of expertise. In other words, we have the necessary expertise to handle this for you.
A true virtuous circle!
Accessibility is an ongoing process that requires regular adjustment. Encouraging feedback from employees with disabilities helps identify areas that need continuous improvement. Regular surveys and meetings can help pinpoint any persistent issues so they can be addressed effectively. It is crucial to constantly identify new needs and challenges to ensure accessibility for everyone.
Evaluating the effectiveness of existing adjustments and technologies helps assess the current situation and the usefulness of the decisions made regarding solutions. Then, policies and procedures need to be adjusted accordingly. I don't need to draw you a diagram—it's a cycle of actions. But a virtuous cycle, as it’s for a good cause.
Management at Handi Conseils regularly conducts interviews with each employee to gather requests and identify various needs that need addressing. Additionally, a follow-up is conducted after adjustments are made to assess the effectiveness of the investment.
In conclusion, making a workspace accessible to people with disabilities requires a comprehensive approach that includes assessing needs, implementing physical adjustments, providing assistive technologies, offering training and awareness, and establishing inclusive policies.
By implementing a feedback and continuous adaptation process, companies can ensure that their accessibility efforts remain relevant and effective, thereby creating a truly inclusive work environment. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!