Competitive, Integrated Employment: A Driver of Long-Term Value Creation
New research shows that disability inclusion can create long-term business value
Understanding is growing that competitive, integrated employment is an integral part of a comprehensive environmental, social and governance (ESG) business strategy. Companies that create inclusive cultures tend to be more innovative, profitable and better positioned to tap into a global marketplace of consumers.
The seminal research paper — Competitive, Integrated Employment: A Driver of Long-Term Value Creation1 — by The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, in collaboration with Voya Cares®, shows that including a focus on people with disabilities in an ESG strategy can be a competitive differentiator, provide lasting benefits to a company’s brand and bottom line as well as make a positive difference in society.
A few of the 10 action steps outlined in the paper include:
1. Take a holistic approach to disability inclusion: Look at the large disability audience as customers of products and services and ask: “How do we reach this market that can add to our bottom line and social value?”
2. Broaden the coalition: Integrate disability inclusion into efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
3. Focus on middle management: Enable managers to foster an inclusive organization, making senior leadership’s vision and commitments a reality through authentic action.
The benefits of disability inclusive employment
A conversation between former Sen. Tom Harkin and former Voya CEO Rodney O. Martin, Jr. about the benefits of employment of people with disabilities.
Learn more about how companies can strengthen their workforce and their bottom lines through disability inclusion:
1. Competitive, Integrated Employment: A Driver of Long-term Value Creation, Robert Ludke, The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, June 2022, https://www.voya.com/sites/www/files/2022-06/Harkin-Disability_Inclusion_and_Long_Term_Value_Creation-design_Final-6.6.22_0.pdf
Voya Financial is not affiliated with Tom Harkin nor the Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement. Products and services offered through the Voya® family of companies.