The bilateral barriers in the employment of people with disabilities

According to the figures published monthly, the unemployment rates are below 5%.

By ORIT BENVENISTI
‘THE IMPORTANCE of employing people with disabilities and diversity in the workplace is understood by employers more and more, they see the reward indirectly and directly.’ (photo credit: REUTERS)
‘THE IMPORTANCE of employing people with disabilities and diversity in the workplace is understood by employers more and more, they see the reward indirectly and directly.’
(photo credit: REUTERS)
In recent years, diversity at work has been a positive trend. The work sphere influences and has been influenced by social outlooks, which finally made path on the economy and growth. Therefore, the importance of anchoring and enforcing the expansion order that requires every employer in the private market with more than 100 employees to reach employment of at least 3% with disabilities. However, it seems that the work has not yet been completed.
According to the figures published monthly, the unemployment rates are below 5%. However, the figures among people with disabilities are much higher. In Israel, 20% of the country’s population are people with disabilities, therefore the importance of integrating them into the employment sphere. I believe that the foundation of the awaited change is in the perception of both employees and employers. Therefore reforms and collective agreement are not enough, and a radical change in their point of view must be taken.
Among employees, wages, income allowances and income support are at the disposal of decision makers in a matrix consisting of many contradictory parts. such as fairness, values, welfare and incentives. Even if in the final analysis it will lead to an economic and employment advantage for people with disabilities, the state must promote a model that will encourage them to work. In my point of view, the right to work is the same as the basic right for equality. I believe that it will finally lead to equality, welfare, and other factors that will lead to economic growth and productivity.
On that note, the labor court was recently asked about the adjustment that the employers must make in order to employ a worker with disabilities. However, certain adjustments require special effort from the employers. Those adjustments can lead to extra costs, reduced jobs and physical adjustments that the state participates in only half of the costs.
Medium and small employers (six or more) will now take into account that workers with disabilities are essential to the economy. Some employers perceive them as “burdens”, therefore they are required to prove that the adjustments required may lead to serious economic damage to the business.
The logical conclusion required is taking into account the overall circumstances and characteristics of the workplace alongside the required adjustments. Despite all the above, the importance of employing people with disabilities and diversity in the workplace is understood by employers more and more, they see the reward indirectly and directly. Helping employers on the one hand and those with disabilities on the other hand will lead to a reduction in the barriers and ultimately to the next successes, so that the business market and Israeli society will be profitable.
The author is CEO of Tigbur Ltd.


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