Connect with us

Business

Inditex To Double its Disability Employment

Published

on

Inditex

Inditex, the world’s largest clothing retailer, has pledged to double the number of disabled employees hired within two years

Inditex is the world’s biggest fashion group, home to retail giants, Zara, Stradivarius, Bershka and Pull and Bear among others. And, The Spanish company’s CEO, Oscar García Maceiras, recently signed to become part of the ILO Global Business and Disability Network (a network of employers adhering to 10 principles of disability inclusion) during a meeting with International Labour Organisation (ILO) director-general, Gilbert Houngbo.

As a part of this pledge, Inditex will see that at least 2% of its employees are from the disabled community. This will, in theory, result in the hiring of 1,500 people. These hires will include officers, as well as store, logistics platform and warehouse team members.

In a statement, Maceiras said, “Disability inclusion in the workplace is a core component of our commitment to people. Diversity, fairness and inclusion are values we all embrace, values we pursue day-to-day, in order to have an impact within Inditex, as well as all around us: our pledge is to design opportunities for everyone.”

zara

© Zara

The 10 principles of disability inclusion as laid out by ILO Global Business and Disability Network are as follows:

  • Respect and promotion of rights: Promote and respect the rights of persons with disabilities
  • Non-discrimination: Develop policies and practices that protect persons with disabilities
  • Equality of treatment and opportunities: Promote equal treatment and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities
  • Accessibility: Progressively make the company premises and communication to staff accessible
  • Job retention: Undertake appropriate measures to enable employees who acquire a disability to retain employment
  • Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of disability information
  • Attention to all types of disabilities: Consider the needs of those persons with disabilities who face particular challenges
  • Collaboration: Promote the employment of those with disabilities among business partners and other companies
  • Evaluation: Review regularly the company’s disability inclusion policies and practices
  • Knowledge sharing: Report company efforts to promote employment of those with disabilities to relevant stakeholders

Over the next 2 years and beyond, Inditex will work with ILO to help create more inclusive workplaces that offer equal career development opportunities for those with disabilities.

The move comes following the announcement of the group’s inclusion strategy, which aims to champion inclusive recruiting and career development, foster accessible workplaces, facilitate inclusive shopping experiences and encourage team awareness of disabilities and the potential necessary accommodations.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Embracing Your Disability Identity: Celebrating Diversity and Empowering Change

Published

on

In our modern, interconnected world, inclusivity has moved beyond being an option—it’s now a fundamental necessity. Companies that acknowledge and cater to diverse communities, including individuals with disabilities, aren’t just advocating for equality; they’re also tapping into a substantial consumer base. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of marketing and explore how embracing inclusivity can lead to favorable outcomes for both businesses and the disability community.

Genuine Representation:

At the core of effective marketing lies genuine representation. Companies can take the lead by prominently featuring individuals with disabilities in their advertising campaigns. By showcasing their products and services in use by people from all walks of life, businesses promote diversity and strike a chord within the disability community. This not only fosters inclusivity but also creates a sense of belonging and acknowledgement.

Accessible Content:

Inclusive marketing hinges on ensuring that all content is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This encompasses practices such as using alt text for images, providing captions for videos, and ensuring that websites are screen-reader compatible. By making content accessible, businesses not only cater to a broader audience but also demonstrate their commitment to equal accessibility.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

Advertisement

Teaming up with organizations and influencers within the disability community can amplify marketing endeavors. Partnering with disability advocacy groups or individuals who hold prominence in the community enables businesses to extend their reach and gain insights into the preferences and needs of individuals with disabilities.

Addressing Genuine Needs:

Inclusive marketing transcends superficial visuals; it involves addressing genuine needs. Companies that design products or services while keeping in mind the specific requirements of individuals with disabilities display an authentic commitment to inclusivity. This might involve creating user-friendly interfaces, offering customization options, or integrating principles of universal design.

Empowering Through Storytelling:

Effective marketing often revolves around storytelling. Sharing authentic narratives of individuals with disabilities and their triumphs over challenges can inspire and empower both the community and a wider audience. Celebrating achievements and dispelling stereotypes nurtures a more accurate understanding of the capabilities of people with disabilities.

Advertisement

Promoting Understanding Through Education:

Educational campaigns provide companies with a platform to raise awareness and foster understanding about disability-related matters. By offering information and dispelling misconceptions, businesses contribute to a more inclusive society while also positioning themselves as socially responsible entities.

Engaging With Feedback:

Listening to feedback from individuals with disabilities is of paramount importance. Engaging with the community through surveys, focus groups, and social media channels offers valuable insights into their preferences and concerns. This feedback loop enables businesses to fine-tune their marketing strategies and make continuous enhancements.

In summary, the junction of marketing and disability transcends mere advertisement. Embracing inclusivity in marketing strategies doesn’t just broaden a business’s reach; it also enriches society with equity. Through authentic representation, accessible content, collaboration, addressing real needs, storytelling, educational campaigns, and meaningful engagement, businesses can forge a path towards positive transformation and cultivate a more inclusive environment for all.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Business

Advocating for Your Rights and Needs as a Person with a Disability: Empowering Tips and Resources

Published

on

As a person with a disability, effectively advocating for your rights and needs is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities and overcoming barriers. Communication, assertiveness, and seeking support play key roles in this process. By following these 6 empowering tips, you can navigate the challenges and assert your rights confidently.

1. Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the laws and policies that protect the rights of people with disabilities, both in your country and globally. This knowledge equips you with the necessary information to advocate effectively. 

2. Communicate Clearly: Express your needs and concerns in a clear and concise manner. Use “I” statements to assert yourself and avoid confrontational language. Articulate the specific accommodations or modifications required to ensure equal participation.

3. Seek Support: Connect with disability support organizations and networks that offer guidance and resources. They can provide valuable insights, legal advice, and emotional support to assist you in navigating barriers and discrimination.

4. Document Incidents: Keep a record of any instances of discrimination, including dates, times, locations, and individuals involved. This documentation can be crucial evidence if you decide to pursue legal action or file a complaint.

5. Know Your Rights: Be well informed about your rights as a person with a disability. Familiarize yourself with legislation such as the Nigerian Disability Rights Act and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Advertisement

6. Collaborate with Others: Join advocacy groups and initiatives to amplify your voice and influence change. Collaborating with like-minded individuals creates a stronger platform to advocate for your rights collectively.

Remember, advocating for your rights is an ongoing process. Stay informed, seek support, and be persistent in your efforts. By asserting yourself confidently, you contribute to a more inclusive society where the rights and needs of all individuals are respected.

Continue Reading

Business

5 Ways People With Disabilities Can Propel Your Business Brand to Success

Published

on

In the fast-paced and diverse business landscape of today, inclusivity holds the key to extraordinary achievements, going beyond being just a buzzword. By embracing diversity and harnessing the talents of individuals with disabilities, you have the opportunity to witness a remarkable transformation in your business brand, setting it apart from the competition.

Below are five ways people with disabilities can become powerful catalysts for skyrocketing your business brand:

1. Unleashing Creativity and Innovation: People with disabilities bring a unique perspective to problem-solving and innovation. Their diverse experiences and adaptive thinking can lead to groundbreaking ideas that resonate with a broader audience, elevating your brand to new heights.

2. Cultivating Enhanced Customer Empathy: Employing individuals with disabilities fosters a deeper understanding of your customers’ diverse needs and preferences. This empathy fuels the development of products and services catering to a wider range of individuals, thereby boosting customer loyalty and enhancing your brand’s reputation.

3. Crafting Inclusive Marketing Campaigns: With a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities, creating authentic and inclusive marketing campaigns becomes second nature. Representation matters, and consumers connect more profoundly with a brand that embraces diversity and reflects the real world.

Advertisement

4. Nurturing an Empowering Workplace Culture: Embracing diversity cultivates a positive workplace culture that encourages teamwork, respect, and open-mindedness. This welcoming environment attracts top talent, boosts employee morale, reduces turnover, and ultimately leads to increased productivity and overall success.

5. Making a Positive Social Impact: Actively promoting inclusivity and providing equal opportunities positions your business as a force for positive social change. Modern consumers appreciate brands that align with their values, and your commitment to empowering people with disabilities will garner genuine support and unwavering loyalty.

Integrating people with disabilities into your workforce is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic decision that can propel your business brand to unprecedented heights. By leveraging their unique talents and perspectives, you have the potential to cultivate a brand that stands out, deeply connects with customers, and makes a meaningful contribution to a more inclusive society.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement