More than 1 in 5 Canadians identify as having some type of disability. In fact, disability is the fastest growing ‘minority group’ on the planet.

What do you as an employer need to effectively recruit and engage workers with disabilities?

Canadians with disabilities, including mental health issues, constitute a large (and growing) portion of our population. Most working-age Canadians with disabilities or mental health issues want to work and are assets to any workplace that understands inclusion and simple workplace accommodations.

What are the most common accommodations required by this group?

Flexibility regarding hours of work, schedule and/or duties – something most employers are already doing with employees. It should be noted that this type of flexibility has become a “core workplace benefit” and ranks only second in terms of qualities that employees value in their jobs. Flexibility helps attract and retain diverse talent!

Workplace Culture and Inclusion

Workplace culture plays a leading role in employee engagement, retention, productivity and attracting talent.

Healthy, inclusive workplace cultures are a key part of business sustainability.
Almost half of Canadians identify that work is the most stressful part of their day.

Unaddressed workplace stress can lead to potential psychological harm and mental illness. The economic impacts of poor workplace wellbeing and mental health issues are significant. Depression and anxiety alone are estimated to cost the Canadian economy almost $50 billion annually.

It is worth noting that increased awareness and experience is demonstrated by younger generations. In a 2019 US report, 50% of Millennials and 75% of Gen Z respondents indicated that they had left a job due to mental health reasons.

Workforce Legislative and Regulatory Trends

Businesses of all sizes and sectors are starting to recognize workplace culture and employee wellbeing as key components to business success. These factors also play a key role in attracting talent in a future of work that is strongly predicted to be a job seekers’ market.

In the face of coming workforce demographic changes – legislation and regulations around workplace culture, diversity, inclusion and accessibility are trending upward.