Disability and work: from obstacle to opportunity
Turin, September 25, 2024 – Today, disability in the workplace is no longer seen merely as a legal obligation and a social duty, but with the adoption of the appropriate measures and tools, it can become an opportunity for organizational growth for Italian companies.
This is one of the main findings of the research “People with Disabilities and Work: Beyond Barriers – Data and Stories of Workplace Inclusion in Italy,” promoted by Fondazione Italiana Accenture ETS together with Accenture, in partnership with SDA Bocconi School of Management, and in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano, Tiresia, Politecnico di Milano Foundation, and Free Thinking, presented today in Turin.
The event, organized by Intesa Sanpaolo, Fondazione Italiana Accenture ETS, and Accenture at the Gallerie d’Italia – Turin, provided an opportunity for discussion on the current and pressing topic of workplace inclusion for people with disabilities, sharing different experiences on the subject in a series of roundtables and interviews.
According to data from the Ministry of Labor, before the pandemic, the inclusion of people with disabilities was gradually but slowly improving. This evolving situation made it necessary to reflect on how disability is currently perceived by Italian companies.
The research was precisely aimed at shedding light on the current state of workplace inclusion for people with disabilities in Italy and explores how businesses approach their inclusion and the challenges they are facing.
Through a quantitative survey of 100 organizations, a qualitative analysis of three company cases (Intesa Sanpaolo, Google Italy, E-Work), and an examination of best practices for collaboration between companies and third-sector entities, the research has provided an updated and multidimensional view of the phenomenon, characterized by both positive aspects and challenges.
The main finding is the shift in opinion towards disability in the workplace, driven by the perceived advantages outweighing the difficulties: although the concept of inclusion is still viewed as a legal obligation and a social duty, disability is no longer seen as a problem. With the right tools, it can become an opportunity for business growth and competitive advantage.
The data collected shows that 76% of companies have already adopted diversity management policies that are not required by law, while 22% state that they plan to adopt them.
The testimonials also highlighted that when inclusion is effective, both companies and individuals benefit in terms of improved work climate, corporate reputation, and increased productivity.
However, there are still some obstacles that make inclusion more challenging, primarily related to inadequate tools and spaces, as well as cultural biases. Overcoming these challenges begins with awareness-raising actions and preparation for welcoming people in the workplace.
“Intesa Sanpaolo has sought to add value to its commitment to people with disabilities: over 80 disability managers across various divisions of the Bank support and assist each person in the Group. The Group also leads numerous disability-focused projects in collaboration with organizations and associations, participates in roundtables to share experiences, and is committed to promoting awareness and respect both inside and outside the Bank. We believe that the individual characteristics of each person can represent an opportunity for business growth, and I am proud that Intesa Sanpaolo has been recognized as the world’s top bank among the 100 most inclusive and diversity-conscious workplaces,” stated Patrizia Ordasso, Head of Labor Relations at Intesa Sanpaolo.
“Overcoming barriers and promoting the workplace inclusion of people with disabilities is one of the missions that Fondazione Italiana Accenture ETS has embraced since its inception,” explained Simona Torre, General Director of Fondazione Italiana Accenture ETS. “With this research, we aim to shed light on a highly relevant issue and provide an integrated view of disability in the workplace, with the goal of raising awareness among companies and generating a positive impact on the employability of people with disabilities.”
The event was enriched by contributions from numerous guests from the Industry and Third Sector, as well as representatives from the local ecosystem, including Cristina Tumiatti, Vice President of Small Industry, Unione Industriali Torino, Chiara Foglietta, Councillor for Innovation for the City of Turin, and Maria Carmela Marcoli, Director of the Progetto Itaca Torino.
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Fondazione Italiana Accenture ETS is a corporate foundation established in 2002 as a representation of the social responsibility of Accenture Italia. Its goal is to promote initiatives with a high social impact on strategic issues for the country, enhancing the role of technological innovation and building collaborative ecosystems. The work of Fondazione Italiana Accenture ETS has two primary objectives: to support the employment of young people and individuals in vulnerable situations, through training on future skills and creating conditions for equitable access to the labor market, and to support the growth, evolution, and digitalization of the non-profit sector by aggregating resources, expertise, and experiences and putting them at the service of social entrepreneurs and their projects. Since January 2023, the President of Fondazione Italiana Accenture ETS is Fabio Benasso. For more information: fondazioneaccenture.it
Intesa Sanpaolo, with over 422 billion euros in loans and 1,350 billion euros in customer financial assets as of June 2024, is the largest banking group in Italy with a significant international presence. It is a leader in wealth management at the European level, with a strong focus on digital and fintech. In the ESG sector, by 2025, the bank plans to allocate 115 billion euros in Impact funding for the community and the green transition. The program to support people in difficulty amounts to 1.5 billion euros (2023-2027). The Bank’s museum network, Gallerie d’Italia, serves as an exhibition space for its art collection and high-value cultural projects.
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- Title
- Disability and work: from obstacle to opportunity
- Date
- 25 September 2024
- Tags
- Disability - Sustainability - JOB Stations
