Choosing to be an “Employer of Choice”

Employers — Does your present human capital reflect the current available workforce; one of diversity, inclusion and tolerance?

If you are already employing persons with disabilities, both hidden and not-so hidden, then BRAVO! You are already aware of the benefits of hiring qualified workers with disabilities and are likely familiar with many of the incentives.

Additionally, you’re probably revered as a progressive company within your community and are established as an “Employer of Choice.”

For those who could not answer yes to the question above, allow me to share observations I’ve had from past experiences with an “Employer of Choice.”

I used to work in advertising, and in this field (thanks to my employer) it was common to work alongside people from all over the globe. I met folks from different cultures and walks of life, and a fair amount of them were persons with disabilities. This wasn’t unusual.

In creative environments/workplaces, teams and teammates must learn to rely on and trust each other to be successful. We had to meet next-to-impossible deadlines, and everyone had to work as a team every single day. This helped employees learn tolerance and embrace the abilities and cultures of others. It made us all equal. With barriers removed, we were able to do great work, and both employees and the general public reaped the benefits.

There are so many willing and able persons with disabilities waiting to enter the workforce. I hope you, as an employer, will find out more about the necessary steps companies can take to add persons with disabilities to their organizations.

The time and effort you put into learning about how to hire persons with disabilities will pay off, and soon you’ll be known as an “Employer of Choice.”

Frieda Carmouche is a member of the Regional Navigator team specializing in training, educating and assisting employers, and career center staff throughout the Gulf Coast with community resources, outreach events and technical support in assisting job seekers with disabilities. A native Houstonian with a love of training and development, Frieda has been employed by Workforce Solutionsfor over 16 years.