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Employers prioritize disability benefits amid ongoing challenges

An employee in a warehouse using American Sign Language with a co-worker(s)

Our survey indicates job satisfaction and productivity as key drivers

Our recent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) research continues to reveal a growing emphasis on disability benefits among HR leaders and employers.

This focus is driven by a desire to enhance employee satisfaction and retention, but it's important to note, as we previously highlighted, that disparities persist between the needs of employees with disabilities and the support they receive in the workplace.

 

Open to further knowledge and offerings

Employers are recognizing the critical importance of offering comprehensive benefits for employees with disabilities. According to our recent diversity, equity, and inclusion survey, disability will be a top priority for 77% of businesses next year, with 67% of HR decision-makers highlighting disability awareness as a key business focus for 2024.

 

Job satisfaction and productivity

A significant emphasis is being placed on how these benefits impact various aspects of the organization. An overwhelming 68% of HR leaders assert that providing disability benefits directly influences employee satisfaction, while 67% believe it boosts productivity. Additionally, 66% link these benefits to employee growth and development, and 64% see them as crucial for retention.

 

Measuring benefits impact

The majority of HR decision-makers (90%) actively measure the positive impact of offering benefits and resources for employees with disabilities. Their metrics include continuous monitoring of filled positions and reasons for employee departures (46%), as well as end-of-year reviews (45%). Other metrics include workforce representation of employees with disabilities (39%) and retention rates (33%). Other metrics include:

  • Representation of employees with disabilities in your workforce (39%)
  • Retention metrics (33%)
  • Monthly feedback surveys (32%)

 

Recognizing the potential for improvement

HR Decision-Makers agree there is potential for their company to expand their knowledge about employee’s disabilities and to expand the benefits and resources it provides these employees.

Among these decision makers, 85% see opportunities to expand their knowledge and offerings regarding disabilities while an equal number (85%) see potential for their company to expand the benefits and resources offered to employees with disabilities.

As companies continue to evolve their DEI strategies, the emphasis on disability benefits will likely play a pivotal role in building more inclusive and supportive workplaces.

For more insight, read our previous article.

 

Methodology overview

Employee with Disability Methodology: This poll was conducted between August 31st - September 5th, 2023, among a sample of 402 Adults (ages 18+). Adults who qualify for this study are employed, receive benefits through their employer and identify as having a disability or chronic condition (either self-identify or report serious difficulty with four basic areas of functioning the US Census uses to define a disability – hearing, vision, cognition, and ambulation). Quotas were set to mirror the US Census audience of employed adults with a disability who have health insurance. The interviews were conducted online. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.

HR Decision-Maker Methodology: This poll was conducted between August 31st - September 5th, 2023, among a sample of 500 Adults. Adults who qualify for this study are employed by the HR, Benefits, or Finance department or are at the CEO/Founder level at a company that provides benefits to employees. The interviews were conducted online. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

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