Creating a sense of belongingness in the workplace for PWDs – people with disabilities – is an emotional attachment that needs to be solved. Too often, the disabled individual will struggle with self-esteem issues including inclusiveness in the community and work,
Creating a sense of belongingness in the workplace for PWDs – people with disabilities – is an emotional attachment that needs to be solved. Too often, the disabled individual will struggle with self-esteem issues including inclusiveness in the community and work, a sense of belonging, or seeing people stare or laugh.
Now, how can businesses inspire and empower disabled individuals? In this article, know the possible tasks and responsibilities of a community on how to motivate PWDs to take part in the community. One also should know how to be an empathetic coworker.
PWDs often have emotional attachments and attacks around:
- Belonging in a community
- People staring or laughing
A business can extend belongingness by creating friendly relationships with understanding and empathy – not sympathy. What’s more, providing activities, amenities, and equal opportunities can enable a sense of worth and esteem.
Common barriers in the workplace for PWDs
Everyone experiences some sort of difficulties and PWDs have more impact when facing these hurdles. Factors such as environment, appropriate equipment, government programs, economic status, and perception of individuals to someone with a disability serve as barriers to a productive and healthy workplace for PWDs.
Business environment and transportation barriers
The business environment and transportation factors can hinder individuals with various kinds of disabilities. For instance, the company may have a lack of available equipment and facilities; insufficient knowledge, care, and assessment of the individual’s needs; and little to no transportation devices to help them get to work if necessary.
Attitude and perception of society
Another obstacle is people’s perception and attitude towards PWDs. It restricts the involvement of the disabled to be part of the workplace and in daily activities. For instance, PWDs can’t stand being looked at, murmured on, or sympathize with their disabilities and impairments. Some people think being disabled means they’re poor, unhealthy, and incapable of doing anything. They suffer the stigma and discrimination of this for the rest of their lives.
Communication and information barriers
Communication and information can be blurred especially when there’s little or no access to these materials. These barriers are more susceptible to PWDs hard in reading, speaking, or writing. For instance, the company has no Braille systems, sign language capture, or access to equipment and programs for communication and information dissemination.
How to build a sense of belongingness
To create a sense of belongingness in the workplace for PWDs needs effort, understanding, strategy, and practice. One way to create awareness for it is to empathize 