In partnership with the Reward and Employee Benefits Association (REBA), we have conducted a report to better understand the lived experiences of disabled employees and workers with long-term or chronic illnesses, impairments, or conditions.
The report, Disability in the Workplace 2023 (PDF, 0.7MB) surveyed over 300 employed people identifying as disabled, having a long term or chronic illness or having an impairment or condition.
Over half (51%) of respondents agreed that their disability is a barrier to progressing in their career, and a significant minority (34%) believe that their employer could do more to support them.
The report points to the need for businesses to engage and listen to employees to help build a supportive, inclusive culture, with disabled employees indicating that they would be willing to talk openly about their experiences (65%) to help employers better understand their needs.
Greater flexibility is the top benefit that disabled workers want to help them succeed at work; including the flexibility to work remotely, take longer breaks, factor in medical appointments or design their roles. However, fewer than one in five (18%) disabled employees currently have access to flexible working.
Other key workplace benefits include support with everyday health costs (43%), mental health support (43%) and private medical insurance (38%).
The overarching findings highlight that support with everyday health costs and mental health support should be high on the agenda for all businesses that want to help their employees live longer, healthier, happier lives and make a better world.
People are at their best when they can bring their whole selves to work, and a happy, healthy workforce is essential for business performance, productivity and talent retention. At Bupa we firmly believe that creating an open culture, embedding inclusion and celebrating difference is better for business.
To learn more about the ways you can create a benefits support strategy that helps everyone to thrive at work, take a look at the full report here (PDF, 0.7MB).
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