Action 5.1A Develop and communicate a broad range of supports available to all employees.

Guidance

To foster an inclusive and supportive workplace, it’s important to develop a broad range of employee supports that recognises and supports the diverse needs of your employees. By developing a variety of flexible supports and making them broadly available to all employees, you reduce the need for disabled employees to specifically share their accessibility needs and the stigma that can be felt in those circumstances.

“The more we can take a Universal Design approach to providing support, the better – if you know that everyone can access employee supports, then you are more likely not to fear asking for them yourself.”

WIDE Consultation Participant – Disability Organisation

Depending on the size, scope and resources of your organisation, supports which you may consider developing and offering might include:

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Provides confidential coaching, counselling and support services for personal or work-related issues, usually by an outside provider.

Mentor/Buddy System: Pairs employees with mentors or buddies to offer guidance, support, and integration into the company culture (see Action 5.1B).

Flexible Working Policies: Offers flexible working arrangements to accommodate diverse needs and improve work-life balance (see Action 1.3B).

Employee Resource Groups: Provides a platform for employees with a shared interest or life experience to connect, share experiences, and access resources (e.g. people from the LGBTQIA+ community, disabled employees, staff from minority ethnic backgrounds, those interested in gender equality).

Health and Life Needs Support: Addresses specific needs such as menopause, fertility treatments, and other life-related health requirements.

“A good Employee wellness plan and a Mental Health policy can be very helpful. Seek help from organisations who work with people of different disabilities. They have a wealth of knowledge to share.”

WIDE Consultation Participant – Employer

It is essential to regularly communicate and highlight the broad range of supports available to all employees. This ensures that everyone is aware of the resources they can access to enhance their well-being and productivity (see Action 2.3A).

Ensure that information about these supports is easily accessible and communicated through various channels, such as the company intranet, employee handbooks, and regular newsletters. Highlighting these resources during onboarding and regular team meetings can also help ensure that all employees are aware of the available supports.

By effectively communicating the range of supports available to all employees, your organisation demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and inclusivity, fostering a positive and supportive work environment for all.

“Offer flexible working hours and remote work options to accommodate various needs.”

WIDE Consultation Participant – Disabled Person