Advantages Of Remote Work For Disabled Employees

We all know that the global pandemic caused a huge shift in how we live, work, and socialise, becoming a catalyst in ushering in remote work. But did you know that this new surge in the popularity of remote working has significantly impacted disabled employment? According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Labour Force Survey, the number of disabled people in employment has risen in 2023, and unemployment rates have fallen. However, while these figures are moving in the right direction, the employment gap between disabled people and non-disabled people remains too large. This resource explores the advantages of remote work for disabled employees.

We’ll look in-depth at how employers can leverage remote work to promote a more accessible workforce. This includes:

• Accessibility in remote work
• Implementing inclusive remote work practices
• Tips on empowering disabled remote workers 

5 Advantages Of Remote Work For Disabled Employees

Providing remote work opportunities can have a huge positive impact on the professional lives of people with disabilities. For instance, it provides them with more options, flexibility, and a supportive work environment tailored to their needs.

Let’s take a closer look at five of the main advantages of remote work for disabled employees.

1. Enhanced accessibility 

Remote work and disability inclusion go hand in hand. One of the largest barriers that many disabled workers face is a lack of physical accessibility. Many traditional office spaces simply can’t comfortably accommodate workers with disabilities, leaving them feeling excluded or unwelcome. Remote work removes this barrier.

Instead, disabled employees can set up tailored work environments in their homes with adjustments that cater to their needs. With the employer’s support, the employee can use accessible technology and assistive tools to create a fully personalised and functional workplace. 

2. Improved work-life balance

Remote work flexibility for disabled workers can do wonders for their mental health, allowing them to strike a better work-life balance. By offering remote working policies, employees with disabilities have more control over their schedules. This enables them to accommodate medical appointments, therapy sessions, and other personal needs due to their disability. 

As a result, this extra flexibility enhances their overall mental and physical health and makes them feel a stronger sense of belonging in your business. Bearing in mind that some disabilities can cause increased fatigue, remote working also gives colleagues with disabilities more time to rest and recuperate so they can avoid burning out.

3. No more demanding commutes

Able-bodied people often don’t appreciate how difficult commuting can be for people with disabilities. Navigating inaccessible public transport, a lack of disabled parking, and the physical strain of travelling can take their toll on employees. 

Fortunately, remote work can remove these roadblocks. Working from home saves disabled employees valuable time and energy, allowing them to focus on their work without the added stress of traveling to and from the office.

4. More job opportunities

Remote work opens up the doors for disabled job seekers to find work outside of their hometowns. By offering fully-remote positions, employers can tap into top disabled talent all across the UK and beyond. This increases employers’ chances of finding the right candidate for the role and boosts employees’ career advancement opportunities.

5. Improved productivity

One of the biggest advantages of remote work for disabled employees is the comfort and freedom it offers. By allowing employees to work in an environment that is comfortable and accessible, you empower them to be more autonomous. In the process, workers will enjoy high levels of job satisfaction, engagement, and productivity.

In short, providing remote work options for disabled employees can empower them and ensure your company offers an inclusive and accessible working environment. This is just one way that your business can become more disability-friendly.

Companies should consider offering permanent remote work accommodations for disabilities to ensure that all employees can thrive. According to findings from McKinsey & Co., 35% of companies offer a fully remote working option. However, as more and more organisations are obliging employees to go back to the office, this could have a detrimental effect on workers with disabilities. 

Now we’ve seen the advantages of remote work for disabled employees, let’s finish with some tips for employers.

Tips On Empowering Disabled Remote Workers 

Offering remote work options is an excellent way for employers to empower disabled employees and give them the tools to succeed. However, providing adequate support and resources is key. To help you, we’ve compiled three tips on empowering disabled remote workers. 

1. Offer accessibility resources and ongoing support

If your organisation is serious about supporting employees with disabilities, you must prioritise providing accessibility resources.

Start by implementing inclusive remote work practices and offering assistive technologies and accommodations to support employees in setting up their workspaces. In addition, look into extra resources you can provide, such as accessibility training materials, guides on inclusion in the workplace, support groups, and social events to ensure disabled employees feel like part of the team.

Establishing clear channels for employees to communicate concerns, request accommodations and support, or provide feedback is essential.

What’s more, collaborating with disability-focused organisations, such as Careers With Disabilities, will offer insight and expertise into fostering an inclusive remote work environment.

2. Promote a culture of inclusion

One of the best ways to empower employees is to create a culture where they feel valued and included. Of course, this doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll need a long-term inclusivity strategy to achieve this. This strategy should focus on implementing: 

• Inclusive hiring practices
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives (training, support groups, mentoring programmes, etc.)
• A feedback culture that encourages all employees to use their voices
• Transparent accessibility policies and processes 
• Safe spaces for disabled employees to share their experiences, insights, challenges, and ideas
• A culture of empathy and respect

3. Provide professional development opportunities

While all employees should have equal access to growth opportunities in your company, you may need to tailor these opportunities to the needs and goals of disabled workers. You can achieve this by asking for their feedback on how to create more accessible training programmes and mentorship initiatives. You may also consider creating specialised skill-building resources based on their needs.

The key is to provide clear career paths that ensure employees living with disabilities have equal opportunities for promotion and management roles.

A Final Word On The Advantages Of Remote Work For Disabled Employees

The advantages of remote work for disabled employees are huge. From creating more accessible working environments to opening the doors for future career advancement, it’s an excellent way for employers to become more accessible.

If your organisation aims to become a Disability-Confident employer, we can help. Our Disability Advice Hub for job seekers has a wealth of tools and resources on everything from accessibility to workplace inclusion. 

We also provide extensive guidance for employers on everything from financial compensation to visible and non-visible disabilities. Our disability-friendly job board connects employers with talented disabled job seekers across the country.

For more personalised assistance, contact us via our website or call us on 0345 872 4501.