How hiring the disabled contributes to the success of a firm

Employing disabled individuals is no easy task. When considering whether to hire a disabled individual, employers may be concerned if he can assimilate well with the firm's fast-paced environment.

Additionally, the workplace allows no room for mistakes. Employers may be concerned that the disabled employee is unable to communicate effectively with the other staff of the firm, resulting in communication errors that may lead to fatal mistakes for the company.

However, I believe that the disabled can be an asset to the firm. In fact, if trained well, they can help the company to reach its goals and improve productivity in the long run.

1. Disabled employees may increase productivity

When a firm chooses to hire disabled individuals, it signals to its employees that it is willing to overlook one's physical condition if the candidate shows potential to be an asset to the company.

As the able-bodied staff observe how their disabled colleagues are able to manage the tasks assigned to them in spite of their disabilities, their motivation to produce quality work will increase. It will also place healthy pressure on them to maintain their performance, as they know that they are now competing against colleagues who were hired purely based on their potential.

Additionally, the disabled may be able to offer perspectives different from the common ground. This will help them to contribute fresh ideas that will be useful for the growth of the company.

2. Disabled employees may increase diversity

When disabled staffs are treated and perceived as a regular employee, they will be an asset to the firm. This is because they will no longer have the mindset that their ability to contribute to the company is hindered by their physical condition.

In this manner, they will also have the confidence to talk and interact with their colleagues. This strengthens employee relations.

When the employees of the firm, both the disabled and the able-bodied, learn to work well with one another and help each other, they will come to realise that they are all equally able to boost the firm's overall performance.

Ultimately, a company performs well when it has a clear objective that all employees follow. This also means that hiring disabled individuals can be a good thing, especially if they are able to steer their colleagues towards the company's goals.

Amanda Ong Ee Ying is a contributor to AsiaOne. She writes original copywrighted articles for various Internet portals. Her email address is ongamanda98@gmail.com.