Today we celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities!
We are proud of how far we have come in the last 10 years to advance inclusive opportunities for our students. It is our passion to help students with disabilities achieve their dreams of independence and inclusion. Our students enjoy engaging in inclusive Ohio State academic coursework and work experiences while developing independent living and self-advocacy skills and participating in campus and community organizations, social activities and events.
THEN (2010-11) |
NOW (2019-20) |
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Ohio is home to 1.6 million people with disabilities. It is vital that we continue to celebrate and embrace our differences with empathy and understanding as well as remove barriers for individuals with disabilities to fully participate and be included in our society.
To learn more about the International Day of People with Disabilities, please visit https://idpwd.org/
Image Source: https://idpwd.org/
Becoming an empathy employer involves fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes empathy, compassion, and understanding.
Here are some steps you can take to create an empathetic work environment:
Lead by Example: As a leader or manager, demonstrate empathy in your interactions with employees. Show genuine interest in their well-being, listen actively, and validate their feelings.
Training and Education: Provide training sessions on empathy, emotional intelligence, and active listening. Help employees understand the importance of empathy and how it contributes to a positive workplace.
Communication: Encourage open communication. Create channels for employees to express their thoughts, concerns, and emotions without fear of judgment. Regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and anonymous suggestion boxes can facilitate this.
Empathy in Policies: Review existing policies and procedures. Are they considerate of employees’ needs? For example, flexible work hours, parental leave, and mental health support demonstrate empathy.
Recognition and Appreciation: Acknowledge employees’ efforts and achievements. Celebrate milestones, birthdays, and personal achievements. A simple “thank you” goes a long way.
Conflict Resolution: Teach conflict resolution skills. Encourage employees to address conflicts constructively, emphasizing understanding and compromise.
Empathy Training for Hiring: During recruitment, assess candidates for empathy. Look for qualities such as active listening, understanding, and kindness.
Wellness Programs: Implement wellness programs that focus on mental and emotional well-being. Offer resources like counseling services or stress management workshops.
Diversity and Inclusion: Promote diversity and inclusion. An empathetic workplace values different perspectives and backgrounds.
Feedback Culture: Create a feedback-rich environment. Regularly seek feedback from employees and act on it. Show that their opinions matter.
Remember, becoming an empathy employer is an ongoing process. It requires commitment, consistency, and a genuine desire to create a supportive and understanding workplace.