Want to be a better ally to your disabled employees and co-workers? Here’s three ways you can lower their disability tax.
What is ‘disability tax’?
‘Disability tax’ is a term used to describe the additional effort that goes into completing everyday tasks such as showering, getting dressed, meal prepping and travelling to work. While these are simple admin tasks for most, they may take a lot longer and be a lot more challenging for those with a long-term health problem or disability.
Therefore, by the time disabled employees arrive at work they have already spent - or in some cases, overspent their disability tax, making the work day feel overwhelming before it’s even begun.
In order to promote equity across the company, it is imperative to make active changes to lower disability tax at your workplace.
How can I help lower disability tax at my workplace?
1.Flexible working
Hospital appointments, counselling sessions and flat-out ‘bad days’ are all part of having a disability that can make working in an office five days a week virtually impossible. Hence, giving people the option to work remotely when necessary can make a world of difference when it comes to disability tax.
2. Accessibility
Accessibility is an umbrella term that encompasses everything from making the physical workplace accessible to everyone (e.g. wheelchair ramps, separate working space for those with social anxiety etc), to hosting meetings online so people don’t have to travel. These types of adjustments will play a huge role in diminishing disability tax.
3.Create a supportive environment
If your colleague/employee has opened up about how their disability impacts their day-to-day it is crucial to listen and remind them that the company can provide support where needed. Creating a supportive environment also means avoiding making assumptions about people’s ability levels and asking how they would like their disability to be referred to or if it should remain confidential etc. Do not get overly involved and talk to the individual normally otherwise you may come across as patronising and end up adding to their disability tax rather than reducing it!
Pillar Partnership is an inclusive agency which strives to support all clients and candidates throughout the recruitment journey and beyond. Speak to one of our team today on 0203 856 4048 to learn more about our current opportunities in the built environment sector.
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