Millie Flemington- Clare’s Post

Is the office really accessible to everyone? As more workplaces return to in-person operations, we’re confronted with an essential question: Who benefits, and who faces barriers? For many, the flexibility of remote work has been transformative, offering people with disabilities the chance to work without the physical and logistical challenges of an office environment. But with the shift back, the disability divide has become even more evident. How can organizations ensure that their spaces, policies, and mindsets truly support everyone’s success? Accessibility isn’t just about physical infrastructure—it’s about the entire work environment, from adaptive tech and flexible schedules to inclusive culture. What are some ways you've seen companies address this shift thoughtfully? #Inclusion #disabilityrights #returntowork #workplaceculture #DEIwork

What were the workplace cultural change issues you came across in 2024? Social mobility? AI technology bias against disabled colleagues? Wellbeing? Pushbacks against diversity and inclusion initiatives? Here's Diversity Network's roundup of the year - and our predictions for 2025. As you plan your programmes for next year, why not join us to become part of a positive community of over 20,000 changemakers across the world, and gain on-tap access to a wide array of curated, online resources to help you advance workplace culture change. Put our monthly LiveMeets in your diary so you can connect with like-minded individuals working together to make a difference: https://lnkd.in/eXY3wJgz We look forward to seeing you there! #Diversity #Inclusion #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusionAndDiversity #DiversityNetwork

#RemoteWork can be a critical path to #inclusion for people with disabilities. Today is the #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities, and it feels like a good day to share a critical finding highlighted at this Inc. Magazine article by Bruce Crumley: rigid return-to-office (RTO) mandates are disproportionately impacting those of us who have disabilities. When companies reduce flexibility, the first to leave tend to be those who face systemic barriers in traditional office environments – often women, people of colour, workers with disabilities, and employees doubling as caregivers to loved ones. For people with disabilities, remote work provides a way to thrive without navigating physical inaccessibility, microaggressions, or dismissive attitudes rooted in ableist beliefs. Here’s what the article highlights: 📈 Diversity grows with flexibility: shifting jobs to remote increased underrepresented minority applications by 33% and those from women by 15%, according to a study by The Wharton School. 🏢 Hostile environments can hinder performance: working remotely helps people avoid biases and microaggressions, fostering better productivity and engagement. 🎯 Flexibility attracts talent: organisations which embrace remote-first policies are seeing higher diversity in their workforce. Yet, many companies continue tightening RTO policies, often losing high-performing employees who value flexibility most. This trend not only risks shrinking workplace #diversity but also weakens innovation and creativity –both of which thrive in inclusive environments. 🔑 My takeaway: for employers committed to DEI, remote and hybrid work options aren’t perks – they’re essential tools for equity. Prioritising work environments where everyone – regardless of ability – feels empowered to contribute and succeed sounds like a pretty cool thing to prioritise! What does remote work mean to you or your organisation? I'm eager to hear your thoughts alongside the links in the comments.

Advocating for accessibility in the workplace is not just a legal obligation, it's also a way to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment. But did you know that employees who participate in an accessibility plan also gain significant advantages? Here are just a few: 1. Improved access to resources 2. Increased job satisfaction 3. Enhanced career development opportunities 4. Greater sense of inclusion 5. Improved work-life balance 6. Increased confidence and self-esteem 7. Opportunity to contribute to positive change By providing employees with the support and accommodations they need, organizations can create a workplace culture that values diversity and empowers everyone to reach their full potential. So, if you haven't already, consider implementing an accessibility plan and start reaping the benefits! #Accessibility #Inclusion #Diversity #WorkplaceCulture

👏 Accessible and inclusive workplaces benefit everyone 👏 You don’t need to wait for someone to disclose a disability or an accessibility requirement before you start making changes. You can take proactive steps to create a better work environment for everyone because, in the end, it has the potential to benefit all of your employees. Most people would benefit from... 👉 An employee directory with communication preferences and work styles. 👉 Flexible work arrangements. 👉 Closed captions on videos (seriously, watching TV with closed captions is a game changer). 👉 Clear, easy-to-read fonts on important documents. 👉 Concise, straightforward emails. 👉 Assistive technology (ILY Grammarly). I know businesses are all about the bottom line, so if you're hesitating to make your workplace more inclusive because it "costs too much," consider this: Leading companies that actively work toward disability inclusion reported: 👏 28% higher revenue 👏 Twice the net income 👏 Double the likelihood of outperforming competitors in total shareholder returns Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a smart business move. **Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

Inclusivity in the Hybrid Workplace. Here is something that I found quite interesting and is not talked about very often is the fact the hybrid work option has actually opened doors for many people with disabilities, offering new ways to participate fully. How has your workplace adapted to be more inclusive? https://bit.ly/43dFAIZ #InclusiveWorkplace #HybridWorkAdvantages

In order for companies to thrive, traditional work environments may need to adapt to accommodate diverse ways of thinking and working. But how? Join Neuroinclusive Workforce Solutions 🗓️ Wednesday, November 13 ⏰ 11:00 a.m. - Noon (Mountain Time) as we virtually walk attendees through six practical and easy-to-implement principles that promote inclusion, fostering more supportive and, ultimately, more successful work environments. Our goal is to support employers in creating workplaces where everybody can thrive. Reserve your spot for this free, 1-hour training today: https://lnkd.in/g5NKVrHb NEUROinclusive Workforce Solutions provides no-cost services to help workplaces implement practical strategies and approaches to neurodiversity, equity and inclusion. #NeuroinclusiveWorkforceSolutions #Neuroinclusion #InclusionMatters #FreeTraining #FreeOnlineTraining #BuildingTheFoundation #SixPrinciplesforInclusion #NeurodiversityAtWork #NeuroinclusionInTheWorkplace #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion

Creating an accessible workplace is not just a legal requirement; it's a commitment to inclusivity and respect for diversity. By removing barriers and making adjustments, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute their unique skills and perspectives. Here are some practical steps to enhance accessibility: - Provide clear signage and braille for visually impaired individuals. - Ensure step-free access and automatic doors for those with mobility challenges. - Offer flexible work options and remote access tools for a variety of needs. Every step towards accessibility is a step towards a more inclusive and productive work environment. Let's embrace diversity and make our workplaces welcoming for all. #Accessibility #Inclusion #DiversityInWorkplace

🧠 9 Ways to Make Your Workplace More Neurodiversity-Inclusive ✨ Creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected is essential. This article shares 9 practical ways to foster a neurodiversity-inclusive environment, from improving communication to embracing accommodations. Check it out and let's build a better workplace together: https://bit.ly/3AbzjUf #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #WorkplaceCulture

As we approach the end of #NationalMobilityAwarenessMonth, here are 5 ways you can create an inclusive workplace and community for those with limited mobility: Celebrate inclusivity: Cultivate an environment where individuals with visible disabilities feel accepted and celebrated for their contributions. Rights advocacy: Advocate for the rights of those with limited mobility and promote policies that seek to improve their quality of life. Physical accessibility: Take proactive steps to ensure your workplace is accessible for people with limited mobility with ramps, elevators, and wide doorways. Flexible work options: Consider remote work opportunities or flexible scheduling to accommodate individual needs. Accessibility awareness training: Educate employees about best practices for supporting individuals with limited mobility. We believe that an inclusive world is an accessible one. Join us as we create inclusive workplaces and communities. Find ways you can make your workplace more inclusive, by visiting: https://apse.org #APSE #WorkplaceInclusivity