Two men in suits, sit across from each other at a conference table for a meeting.
October, a month dedicated to raising awareness about disability employment, has always been pivotal. But this year, it’s underscored by a concerning trend in the corporate world: the push to return to the office.
A recent article in Fortune by Paige McGlauflin and Joseph Abrams highlighted a startling reality: "90% [of CEOs] plan to reward those who work in person with favorable assignments, raises, and promotions.” This approach, while seemingly a strategic move to revitalize in-office culture, casts a shadow of exclusion over the disability community, particularly when we’ve seen the positive impact remote work has had on disability employment.
Since becoming full-time remote in 2020, I’ve experienced firsthand the energy conservation, reduced chronic pain, and enhanced focus that comes with remote work. It's not just a convenience; it's a necessity for many of us in the disabled community.
The pandemic brought an unexpected boon for us, enabling more disabled individuals to participate in the labor market effectively. But the current push for physical presence in the office, especially when tied to career progression, is not just a step backward; it’s a leap.
Julie Kratz, in her insightful Forbes article, emphasizes the importance of “practicing everyday acts of inclusion, shifting your language, getting respectfully curious, and staying committed to allyship long-term” But where does penalizing remote work fit into this inclusivity?
The disability community is not a monolith. Our needs, capabilities, and contributions are as diverse as we are. We’ve navigated a world that often forgets us, innovating and adapting, but the message sent by rewarding physical presence is clear: our efforts, adaptability, and skills are second to our ability to be present in the office.
It’s time to challenge this narrative. Let’s foster a dialogue that pushes companies to recognize value beyond physical presence, ensuring that disabled employees are not relegated to second-class citizenship in our own jobs.
