We know that disabled people have always made fantastic employees. Not only are we, on average, just as productive as everyone else, we also have less time off sick, stay in our jobs longer and have fewer workplace accidents. We also bring additional qualities that we’ve had to develop through navigating around a world not designed for us. Project management skills (sometimes, just going into town has to be planned like a military exercise). Problem-solving skills (if we can’t do something the same way as others, we have to find a new way of doing it). Creative thinking (finding ways around inaccessible obstacles).
In the post Covid-19 world, the world of work has changed, possibly permanently. Employers now understand the benefits of remote working, with so many people working from home (something they had been telling disabled people for years wasn’t possible!), and more flexible and agile working. Finding new ways of doing things, and introducing more flexible patterns of working. Things that disabled people have been doing forever! This might be new and innovative to most people, but to disabled people, it’s business as usual.
So remember, when you are applying for jobs, that now as a disabled candidate, providing you have the technical skills for a role, you will have more to offer than most other candidates. Remind the employer of all the benefits to be gained by employing people who are naturally innovative, flexible and used to doing things differently.
And you can find jobs with employers who understand the value of disabled candidates at Evenbreak (www.evenbreak.co.uk) – a specialist and accessible job board run by and for disabled people. Employers who are pro-actively attracting disabled candidates advertise with us to find talent first. Will you find your next career move there?
For free Career Support or 1-2-1 Coaching, visit: https://hive.evenbreak.co.uk
