100 points to know about...
Inclusive project management

Many project managers still do not recognise the importance and benefits of including and hiring people with disabilities.

Why has the practice of engaging people with disabilities been neglected? Some managers believe that it may be costly to meet the specific needs of people with disabilities. However, research has shown the opposite. Organisations that put in place practices for hiring and supporting these categories of people can achieve tangible benefits.

What are the main benefits of including people that live with disabilities on your project team?

• Diversity and innovation. To promote innovation, the key is to have a diverse project team. Staying relevant requires that initiatives collect the input of people of all cultures, genders and life experiences as they can contribute with differing and valuable perspectives.
• Lower employee turnover. Studies have shown that people with disabilities are more likely to stay longer in a project role than team members without disabilities.
• High work quality. Different studies have demonstrated that the job performance of people with disabilities is not lower but equal to or even higher than colleagues without disabilities.
• Increased cultural exchange and morale. Accommodating the needs of people with disabilities facilitates the creation of an inclusive environment, which improves the relations between members of a team. In addition, working alongside disabled people makes others more aware of how to make the project conditions more inclusive for everyone.
• Reputational benefits. Surveys have revealed that intended target audiences are more likely to engage with the products and services of an organisation when it takes steps to ensure easy access for people with disabilities.