For Learning Disability Week, community interest company Bridge Creative is urging employers to sign a pledge to ‘think differently’ and commit to actively creating inclusive workplaces.
The campaign is asking employers to put inclusive recruitment and retention practices in place to support adults with learning disabilities or those who are neurodivergent. This includes offering alternatives to traditional interview settings such as half day work experience trials, creating sensory-friendly quiet spaces and committing to staff training to ensure that all line managers are aware of how to best support neurodivergent colleagues or those with learning disabilities.
Bridge Creative, a national company based in County Durham – an area which has one of the lowest employment rates for people with learning disabilities – already works with a wide range of employers to train management teams and support the recruitment of adults. Successful collaborations to date have included working with Festival Republic, Glastonbury, We Out Here Festival and Tough Mudder.
Ben Tinkler, Managing Director, Bridge Creative, said that creating an inclusive workplace should never be a box-ticking exercise or empty social media campaign, but about genuinely making changes to ensure that everyone feels able to bring their best self to work.
He added: “One of the key misconceptions we are keen to address is the idea that creating an inclusive workplace is beneficial only to the employees seeking work. That’s simply not the case. Colleagues with learning disabilities have so much to offer and contribute enormously to creating diverse, motivated and productive teams. People with learning disabilities tend to have better retention and loyalty rates, limiting staff turnover, and they also bring curiosity, pride and a willingness to learn.
“One of our recent colleagues who we successfully secured paid employment for was known for his ‘infectious smile’ and his curious nature encouraged debate and reflection regarding current working practices. This fresh perspective led to improved processes and a more cohesive team dynamic.
“I can honestly say, having worked with many colleagues with learning disabilities over the years, that they are some of the most motivated, hardworking and committed staff you could ever have the privilege of working with.”
