14 October 2020

Studies show that companies ranked highly on the Disability Equality Index have higher revenue and higher profit margins. Here are five things to understand about disability equality

2:00 Min

Taking disability equality serious and promoting inclusion is good for business: it helps to create a thriving work culture and financial prosperity. According to an  Accenture report, organisations that rank high on the Disability Equality Index have 28 per cent higher revenue and 30 percent higher profit margins, Here’s what you need to know. 

 

Defining disability equality

 

The UN Convention for Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines the term as “people who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.” Discrimination happens when a person is treated unfairly or unequally because of their disability, or if they are placed at a disadvantage because of it.  

 

Disability is a key part of the D&I agenda

 

Today, many companies are promoting diversity and inclusion. However, according to a report from Harvard Business Review, only a fraction consider disability initiatives part of the overall mandate. In May 2020, UniCredit joined the Valuable 500, a global movement focusing on placing disability themes on the business leadership agenda. Our Group’s commitment generated company-wide support to break down barriers and champion disability equality. 

 

Recognising discrimination

 

To spread awareness, we need to recognise discrimination when it happens. Keep in mind that discrimination does not have to be intentional to be unlawful. The Equality and Human Rights Commission classifies six categories of discrimination: including direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, and failing to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate an individual’s disability. If you see any of these warning signs between colleagues, speak to a human resource representative for further guidance. 

 

Improving understanding to promote a speak-up culture

 

Disability equality goes beyond the recruitment process. At UniCredit, we actively support a speak-up work culture to ensure that we provide the right online and offline resources, along with assistive technology and other special-needs tools, to help all our employees execute their jobs successfully. For leadership guidance on how to encourage an inclusive team, learn more here. 

 

It starts with you!

 

It’s time to do our part in fighting biased assumptions, hurtful stereotypes, and irrational barriers. Find out today how to get involved in the movement for change at the workplace and read all about UniCredit’s initiatives.