Far too often, people with disabilities are excluded from employment opportunities or face significant barriers to entry in the workforce. However, this doesn’t have to be the case, especially when it comes to the hospitality industry. In fact, the unique skills and perspectives possessed by the disabled community can bring numerous benefits to businesses, such as improved customer experiences and increased productivity. The inclusion of people with disabilities in the hospitality industry can bring about these benefits, as well as the initiatives and organizations that are working towards promoting inclusivity and diversity in the industry.
Inclusivity and diversity are key to any successful business, and the hospitality industry is no exception. This industry is all about providing excellent service. What better way to do that than by hiring people with disabilities? People with disabilities bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. By including them in the workforce, businesses can improve their overall customer experience.
Customer Service
One area where people with disabilities can excel in the hospitality industry is customer service. Many people with disabilities have developed excellent communication skills, as they’ve had to explain their needs and preferences to others on a regular basis. These skills are invaluable when it comes to interacting with customers. Especially those who might have particular needs or preferences themselves.
Problem Solving
Another area where people with disabilities can shine is in problem-solving. Often, people with disabilities face unique challenges and obstacles in their daily lives. This requires them to find creative solutions to problems. These skills can translate directly into the workplace. Employees with disabilities can help businesses come up with innovative solutions to problems they may not have considered before.
Additionally, people with disabilities bring a fresh perspective to the hospitality industry. By including people with disabilities in the workforce, businesses can tap into a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. This makes them more relatable to a wider range of customers. This can lead to increased loyalty and repeat business, as customers appreciate businesses that prioritize inclusivity and diversity.
Productivity
The hospitality industry also stands to benefit from hiring people with disabilities in terms of productivity. Many people with disabilities are highly motivated and determined individuals, who are more than capable of meeting workplace expectations. Moreover, they can often bring a unique work ethic to the table, such as a willingness to take on new challenges, that can help businesses to thrive and succeed.
Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that the hospitality industry still has a long way to go when it comes to inclusivity and diversity. Too often, people with disabilities are excluded from the workforce or face significant barriers to entry. This can be due to a lack of accessibility, negative attitudes towards disability, or simply a lack of awareness about the skills and abilities that people with disabilities can bring to the table.
Inclusivity & Diversity
Fortunately, this is changing. Many businesses are starting to recognize the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. There are many taking steps to create more inclusive workplaces. For example, some hotels and restaurants are implementing accessibility measures such as wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms. Others are working to create more flexible work schedules that can accommodate the needs of employees with disabilities.
It’s also worth noting that there are many organizations and initiatives dedicated to promoting inclusivity in the hospitality industry. The Hospitality Inclusion and Diversity Council (HIDC) is an organization that works to promote inclusion and diversity in the hospitality industry through education, outreach, and advocacy. Similarly, the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) has launched an initiative called “Hospitality is Working”. This initiative aims to create opportunities for people with disabilities in the hospitality industry.
It goes without saying, the disabled community has so much to offer the hospitality industry. By including people with disabilities in the workforce, businesses can improve their overall customer experience, tap into a diverse range of experiences and perspectives, and benefit from increased productivity. Of course, there is still much work to be done when it comes to promoting diversity in the hospitality industry. Including those apart of the disabled community into the hospitality workforce, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming industry for all.
Gecko Hospitality is proud to be a National recruiting firm known for our exceptional recruitment services and willingness to go beyond the norm. We have placed many candidates with many different kinds of disabilities and strive to promote a more inclusive environment for the disabled community within the hospitality industry. Check out our job board and apply today to one of the many jobs we have available across the United States and Canada.
