A success story
Founded by Inclusive Employers, National Inclusion Week highlights the importance of inclusion and diversity in the workplace. At Get Set UK, we believe embracing diversity makes us stronger, more innovative, and better positioned to support our team, our customers and the wider community.
Get Set for Work | 26 September 2024
Creating an inclusive workforce in Essex with the Get Set for Work Programme.
Amy McManus, Employer Consultant, explains below, how our Get Set for Work Programme is helping businesses across
Essex create more inclusive workplaces.
At the heart of the effort to build a truly inclusive workforce, the Get Set for Work programme works with employers across Essex to promote disability confidence and neurodiversity in the workplace. With a focus on removing barriers and fostering inclusivity, the programme serves as a vital link between employers and employees with disabilities or neurodiverse conditions, helping to shape a more equitable and productive workforce.
Lay the groundwork for inclusivity with an Organisational Needs Assessment.
One of the key tools used in this initiative is the Organisational Needs Assessment (ONA). Through this process, employers gain valuable insights into how their existing policies and practices are supporting inclusivity, while also identifying new ways to improve. These assessments provide an opportunity to celebrate the work already being done to accommodate employees with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions while opening up discussions on further adjustments that can be made to enhance inclusivity.
By evaluating an organisation’s specific needs and capabilities, the ONA offers tailored strategies to embed inclusivity into the core of the business. This enables a proactive approach to supporting employees, from recruitment through to career development, while fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
Encouraging a diverse workforce and becoming a Disability Confident business.
At the centre of the Get Set for Work programme is the promotion of the
Disability Confident scheme, an initiative that inspires businesses to champion inclusive practices and share their success stories. Employers who engage with this scheme are not only equipped with the knowledge and tools to support disabled employees but they are also encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity both to other businesses and to potential employees.
In Essex, this has led to a surge in businesses either registering as Disability Confident or upgrading their certification, a move that speaks volumes about the region’s commitment to a more diverse workforce. With employers promoting their inclusive policies, practices, and achievements, the scheme fosters an environment of shared learning and growth. The knock-on effect is a ripple of positivity, encouraging other employers to follow suit and helping to create a business landscape that recognises and rewards diversity.
What are the benefits of a diverse workforce?
A diverse workforce is not just a socially responsible goal, it’s a smart business decision. When businesses embrace diversity, they benefit from a wider range of skills, perspectives, and experiences. This can lead to greater innovation, better problem-solving, and improved employee morale. Furthermore, by promoting inclusivity, businesses increase their appeal to a broader talent pool, making it easier to attract skilled employees who may otherwise feel excluded from traditional recruitment practices.
For the employers in Essex that are part of the Disability Confident scheme, the benefits are already becoming apparent. By making their workplaces more accessible and welcoming to those with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions, they are unlocking the full potential of their workforce and reaping the rewards of a more dynamic, creative, and engaged team.
Shaping the future of employment in Essex.
As the Get Set for Work programme continues to work closely with employers, the vision of a more inclusive workforce in Essex is becoming a reality. By promoting the Disability Confident scheme and carrying out Organisational Needs Assessments, the programme is driving meaningful change and ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability has the opportunity to thrive at work.
Essex is leading the way, showing that when businesses come together to champion diversity, the benefits are felt not just within their walls but across the entire community.
The Get Set for Work programme serves as a beacon of hope for those with disabilities and neurodiversity looking for meaningful employment while offering businesses the tools they need to make inclusivity a priority.
Together, we can build a future where every workplace is welcoming and supportive for all.
Click here to find out more about Get Set for Work
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