October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Paycom joins organizations everywhere in promoting awareness and celebrating the contribution of all employees working with disabilities.
The annual celebration showcases supportive, inclusive policies and practices across the country. This is especially important, given more than 1 in 4 Americans live with a disability, according to the CDC.
The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone “who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.” Disabilities can relate to:
- mobility
- mental health
- chronic illnesses
- neurodivergence
- hearing and vision
From its Able and Disabled Allies Partnering Together employee resource group (ADAPT ERG) to finding solutions for individual needs, Paycom continues to build a more equitable and accessible workplace for everyone.
Advancing access and equality
The Office of Disability Employment cites “Advancing Access and Equity” as this year’s NDEAM theme.
“‘Advancing access and equity’ means not only improving accessibility and access to resources, but also advancing the cause and understanding of accessibility,” said Michael B., a member of the ADAPT ERG. “Many of what benefits those with disabilities starts with a simple question: ‘What would help you?’ These conversations are sparked by a simple bit of compassion.”
Raising awareness takes empathizing, listening and ultimately elevating the stories of employees with disabilities.
“We celebrate by continuing to educate and give platforms to individuals with disabilities to share their stories,” said Nick N., co-chair of the ADAPT ERG.
Paycom believes all its employees bring unique and valuable perspectives. The organization offers paths for people with disabilities and provides access to tools that help team members thrive in their roles.
Other ways Paycom practices inclusion include:
- training recruiters and interviewers to assist people with disabilities
- increasing accessibility across the organization, like with transcripts for virtual meetings and learning modules
- enhancing workspaces
- providing universal design and accommodations
- connecting employees with disabilities to resources and outreach opportunities through the ADAPT ERG
Inclusivity through connection with the ADAPT ERG
Paycom’s ADAPT ERG fosters a supportive environment for employees with disabilities. The organization allows its members to volunteer, benefit from resources and build a community.
Recently, the ADAPT ERG had a Lunch and Learn with Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization that provides highly trained service dogs to people with disabilities at no charge. And it’s an organization that Paycom has supported before: Employees donated $30,000 to the organization through Paycom’s employee giving program in April.
Kandace R., a member of the ADAPT ERG, spoke about what NDEAM meant to her.
“NDEAM is an opportunity to celebrate and support individuals with disabilities and the businesses that value us. It brings awareness to stigma and misconceptions, while celebrating those who work to combat them,” said Kandace R.
She has even seen her perspective influence those around her, contributing to more accessibility and understanding throughout Paycom.
“I work in an environment where those around me take the time to learn, so they can be better,” she said.
Through listening, learning and continually improving our policies and practices, Paycom is creating an environment where all employees thrive.
Want to work for an inclusive workplace? Apply to Paycom today!
