Creating a diverse, accessible workplace isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a proven growth strategy. Inclusive businesses recruit from a wider talent pool, keep hold of great staff, and build a stronger reputation with customers, investors and partners.
Why inclusive growth makes business sense
As your business grows, you’ll need great people to help you scale. If your recruitment or workplace unintentionally excludes certain groups, you’re limiting your reach and missing out on skills your competitors may be securing.
Inclusive employers benefit from:
• Access to a broader, more diverse talent pool
• Higher retention and lower recruitment costs
• Stronger innovation and collaboration
• A more attractive brand for partners and funders
An inclusive workplace doesn’t just look good on paper. It improves how your team works together and how your business performs.
Reasonable adjustments: A legal duty and talent opportunity
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees and candidates. This might mean adapting a job role, changing the hiring process or offering flexible working.
Beyond ensuring legal compliance, making these adjustments opens your business to capable, committed candidates you might otherwise miss. And the easiest way to get it right? Speak directly with the person and agree together what works.
Aligning with Fair Work: A Welsh standard for better business
The Welsh Government’s Fair Work agenda encourages businesses to adopt practices that promote fairness, security and opportunity. For employers, aligning with these values helps you recruit and retain the right people as you scale.
Fair Work principles support:
• Better staff wellbeing
• Lower absenteeism
• Stronger performance and loyalty
When your team feels valued and supported, your business performs better. It’s that simple.
Be part of closing the disability employment gap
Wales has set a national target to close the disability employment gap by 2035. Employers who act now can get ahead of the curve and lead the way.
As well as being socially responsible, this is a smart move for any employer looking to expand their team, boost productivity and show leadership. Inclusive hiring helps you stand out to funders, partners and customers who want to work with values-driven businesses.
A practical step is joining the Disability Confident Scheme, a UK Government initiative that supports employers to:
• Recruit from the widest possible pool of talent
• Secure skilled, loyal and motivated staff
• Boost employee morale and commitment by showing fairness to all
The scheme also makes it easier for customers, suppliers and potential employees to recognise you as an inclusive, values-driven employer.
Find out more about the Disability Confident Scheme and how your business could benefit here.
Where to Start
• Review recruitment to remove unnecessary barriers
• Offer reasonable adjustments and speak with staff directly
• Promote employee voice and feedback
• Embed Fair Work principles early in your growth journey
• Consider joining the Disability Confident Scheme
Want to build a more inclusive and competitive workplace?
Our Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP) helps growing businesses in Wales put inclusive practices into action. Speak to your Relationship Manager to see how we can support your goals.