Home 9 Uncategorized 9 Accessibility at Work: Opening Doors to All Employees

Accessibility at Work: Opening Doors to All Employees

Jul 1, 2022 | Uncategorized

Every person has unique characteristics, experiences, and backgrounds that impact how they show up in the world. Gender, ethnicity, and age are typically the first attributes that come to mind, yet the largest minority group are those with disabilities; one in four Americans identify as disabled! Most people are more familiar with disabilities that come with visual identifiers, such as a wheelchair. However, it also encompasses invisible disabilities such as neurodivergence, chronic pain, mental illness, brain injury, diabetes, and Crohn’s disease, among many others. The disabled community is the single minority group that anyone could join at any time. A car accident could cause temporarily impaired vision, or you could contract Lyme disease and experience long-term pain and fatigue. With people coming from all walks of life, ensuring doors are open to everyone, literally and figuratively, is beneficial to all.

 

What is Accessibility?

Physical accessibility, such as wheelchair ramps or parking permits, is often the starting point when considering accessibility in the workplace. However, accessibility encompasses all aspects influencing your ability to access or benefit from a system or environment. There are three dimensions of accessibility in the workplace; physical accessibility, technological accessibility, and attitudinal awareness.

Physical accessibility considers the physical environment and ensures those with disabilities are equally able to enter, access, and utilize all features that anyone else can access. Curb cuts, braille signage, accessible restrooms, and wide entrances and exits for mobility all play a part in physical accessibility. Flexible work schedules and remote work can also benefit employees with disabilities, providing them the freedom to manage their surroundings, use their existing home adaptions, access less stimulating environments, and control their routine. It’s essential to understand such modifications aren’t an advantage or favoritism. They simply enable employees with disabilities to accomplish tasks they are capable of performing. Most physical adaptions cost little if anything – usually less than $500 when cost is involved, and there are tax incentives to help.

Technological accessibility means everyone can use technology successfully, regardless of functional ability. Think about the ways your workplace utilizes technology. Are closed captions available during online meetings? Is company software compatible with assistive devices such as screen readers and speech recognition systems, so those with neurological, visual, and physical disabilities can operate efficiently? Accessibility enables people with disabilities to access the same information as everyone else regardless of whether they can manipulate a mouse, how many colors they can see, how much they can hear, or how they process information.

Attitudinal awareness acknowledges how perceptions, behaviors, and assumptions create barriers to accessibility. It’s one of the most critical yet challenging obstacles to remove; it’s easy to install a wheelchair ramp compared to changing negative perceptions deeply ingrained in society. People may not be aware that a lack of audible crosswalk signals limits a person with a disability from participating in everyday life and view the modification as a luxury rather than a necessity. A coworker or manager may assume a person with a disability is unable to complete certain tasks,  dismissing them as incapable. Accommodations could be viewed as an unfair advantage, affecting relationships with team members. Attitudinal barriers can plant seeds of doubt in the professional abilities of a worker with disabilities, impacting their career trajectory, damaging relationships, and dismantling self-worth.

 

DEI & Accessibility 

Diversity, equity, & inclusion initiatives go hand in hand with accessibility;

Inclusive workplaces can’t exist without accessibility. Inclusion isn’t ensured for all if anyone experiences barriers to access. In an inclusive workplace, employees feel comfortable openly discussing their disability status. A supportive, inclusive environment fosters psychological safety, where an employee with ADHD feels comfortable requesting a meeting be held later in the day when they are better able to focus. Inclusive, accessible workplaces welcome and value a variety of inputs, respecting each individual’s unique contributions.

Diversity typically refers to age, sex, and ethnicity, but it encompasses a broader range of individual experiences and attributes, including disability. Fostering a culture of diversity ensures multiple perspectives are represented, helping teams value and appreciate their differences. When people collaborate in diverse groups, they bring different information, opinions, skills, and insights, leading to new approaches to problem-solving and greater creativity.

Equity and accessibility are two sides of the same coin. Equity considers the individual and personal nature of each person’s challenges to ensure they have equal opportunities to succeed by removing barriers and ensuring equal access to resources. For example, an equitable workplace would provide closed captions during a Zoom meeting to ensure it is accessible to those with impaired hearing. Accessible, equitable workplaces maximize employees’ productivity by supporting them with the tools to reach their full potential.

Why Accessibility Matters

People with disabilities aren’t the only ones who benefit from accessible workplaces- everyone does! Accessible workplaces help increase productivity by recognizing and addressing the unique needs of each team member. Rather than dictating how to approach tasks, leaders can promote accessibility by determining what success looks like and working with employees to achieve those outcomes in a way that plays to employees’ strengths.

When your direct reports are trusted and given the tools to succeed, productivity increases, and morale improves, leading to higher retention. Cultivating a welcoming workplace means you reap the benefits of employees feeling empowered to be themselves. Everyone benefits when diverse perspectives are encouraged and considered; it prevents groupthink and promotes creativity, helping create products and services that resonate with clients and expanding your customer base.

Accessibility ensures a broader pool of talent can apply and advance, helping your bottom line and strengthening your recruiting and retention strategies. In fact, 80% of surveyed Millennials say accessibility and inclusivity benefits are significant decision-making factors when evaluating a job. Furthermore, companies actively seeking to hire those with disabilities report 28% higher revenue, higher shareholder returns, and twice the net incomes of industry peers.

 

How to Create an Accessible Workplace 

Accessible workplaces are ones where employees don’t have to leave their identities at the door; their unique needs are considered and accommodated.

Increase awareness of accessibility issues. The first step to improving accessibility is educating yourself and your team about disabilities, common barriers people with disabilities face, and why accommodations matter. Education helps dispel stigma and addresses attitudinal awareness (the biases and assumptions that create barriers, such as the fear of offending a person with disabilities and choosing to avoid or exclude them). Learning about the disabled community helps you create effective policies, procedures, and processes because when an employee discloses a disability, leaders need to understand what this means and how best to support them. The burden shouldn’t be solely on the person with disabilities to figure out solutions.

Gain support from leadership. Aligning yourself with leadership and getting buy-in from decision-makers is essential for long-term success. With their support, you can secure resources to enact real change from the top down. When your team sees those with influence are committed to creating an accessible workplace, it sends a strong message that the organization cares for and values its employees.

Request feedback from employees. Your team can provide valuable insight on accessibility issues or gaps they experience or witness day-to-day. After all, they are uniquely positioned to details that are not readily visible to managers. How can you ensure initiatives are hitting the mark without their feedback? Considering employee feedback shows your team that their voices matter and have a tangible impact. Asking your team for their insights improves engagement while empowering and validating your team.

Develop company-wide initiatives. One way to formalize accessibility programming is through a committee. With leaders from each department facilitating discussions, the committee serves as an open forum for ideas and conversations where those with disabilities can find community and support. With advocates in each department throughout the organization, it’s easier to enact real change.

It takes commitment and solidarity from all employees to address the stigma surrounding disabilities and create an accessible workplace. Make sure to evaluate the way initiatives are received and ask for feedback throughout the year to find gaps and continue to improve accessibility for all.

 

Note: Employees must have autonomy and choice in disclosing disabilities, and all disclosures must be handled with confidentiality and care. One measure to help dispel stigma and create a more psychologically safe environment is to add an optional disability status in employee’s email signature along with their name, title, and pronouns.

From coffee to soda to energy drinks, caffeine is a part of daily life for many of us. And while it is naturally occurring, overconsumption can cause health problems such as increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. For this blog, we sat down with Susie Roberts, a Registered Dietitian to discuss all things caffeine—why it’s such a big part of our lives, how much of it is in the food items many people enjoy regularly, and how much is too much. We’ll also talk about current trends and tips on how to boost your energy naturally so you can stop relying on caffeine to keep you energized throughout the day.

Q: Just this morning, I heard someone say “I’m not caffeinated enough for this day!” It really is such a big part of our daily lives. Why do you think that is?
A: It’s not surprising at all to hear that! About 90% of American adults consume caffeine daily. People are looking for ways to boost their energy and increase alertness and caffeine is readily available and socially acceptable.

Q: So, what exactly is caffeine, and how does it work?
A: Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system. After consumption, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it blocks the effects of adenosine—a chemical that promotes sleep. This interference helps you feel more alert and awake.

Caffeine typically reaches your brain within 15 minutes, peaks in the bloodstream at 30 to 120 minutes, and has a half-life of 3 to 7 hours.

Q: Everyone knows that coffee and many soft drinks contain caffeine. But where else can it be found? If we are consuming these beverages and other items, how can we know the amount of caffeine we are getting?
A: Energy drinks have become very popular—especially among young adults. These contain not only caffeine, but may also have added sugars, so it’s a double whammy. Chocolate and many varieties of tea also contain caffeine. You may also want to check out any nutrition supplements or medications you are taking. And, many people may not realize it, but even decaf coffee contains a certain amount of caffeine.

How Much Caffeine Am I Really Getting

Q: How much is too much when it comes to caffeine?
A: For most healthy adults, the FDA says up to 400 mg per day is safe. That’s about 4 cups of coffee. But you need to remember, that’s based on an 8 oz cup. Many people order an extra-large coffee, so you need to be aware of exactly how much you are taking in. Each individual reacts differently to caffeine based on their genetics, medications, and sleep habits.

How Much Is Too Much? Make Sure You Know Your Limits.

Q: What are the current trends in caffeine consumption?
A: As I mentioned before, energy drinks are increasing in popularity. They haven’t taken over coffee in the top spot, but Americans spent $19.2 billion on them in 2023 and that’s expected to rise to $33 billion by 2030. Coffee remains at the top, accounting for 69% of total caffeine intake, an increase of 15% in the last decade. And while the number of tea drinkers has dropped by 50%, those who drink it are consuming more.

Current Caffeine Consumption Trends.

Q: How can I be more aware about the amount of caffeine I’m getting?
A: Mindful consumption of caffeine is being intentional about what, when, and how much you consume. Track your intake and pay attention to any potential unwanted side effects like jitters or difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Are you sleeping 6-8 hours a night and waking refreshed? If not, consider a “hard stop” 10 hours before your bedtime. Remember, that cup of coffee you had at 8 am can potentially still be in your system at 5 pm, so it’s important to time it right. And finally, if you decide you want to reduce your caffeine consumption, do it slowly to minimize any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.

Be Mindful of Your Caffeine Consumption.

Q: Sometimes though, you need extra energy when you hit that afternoon slump. Can you suggest any alternative ways to get that boost and avoid turning to caffeine?
A: There are a few simple ways you can get that energy boost. First, make sure you are hydrated. Water supports joint health, oxygen delivery, temperature regulation, skin health, and more. You also want to move—even a short walk or stretch break can help. Make sure your meals are balanced with a protein and complex carbs. And most importantly, rest and recover. Sometimes rest—not more coffee—is what your body needs.

How Can I Boost My Energy Naturally.

Q: So, what are your final thoughts on caffeine?
A:  Caffeine can be part of a healthy lifestyle and may even offer some health benefits—but it’s all about balance and awareness. If you’re reaching for that third cup of coffee at 3 pm, pause and ask: Am I actually tired, hungry, or just in a habit? And then give one of the things we talked about a try, to get that energy boost naturally and see if that caffeine craving goes away.

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