In 2025, 22.8% of people with a disability in the US were employed. This marks a steady increase since 2020, illustrating the positive progression of workplace equality. However, unemployment rates are still almost double for those with disabilities compared to people without disabilities.
With this in mind, getting accessibility in the workplace right is important to ensure every employee is included, comfortable, and content at work. From employee access to workday accessibility, HR teams have to stay on top of people’s needs and requirements.
Not only is workplace accessibility the right thing to do for your employees, but in the US, it’s a legal requirement. In fact, failure to make reasonable accommodations in the workplace could result in legal action.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything HR teams should know about workplace accessibility, including key considerations for small businesses when hiring and expanding.
Key takeaways
- Workplace accessibility is legally required for US employers with 15 or more employees under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
- Creating an accessible workplace is vital for ensuring equity, encouraging employee productivity, and remaining compliant.
- Reasonable accommodations span physical changes (ramps, space), technological adjustments (assistive tech, alt-text), and workplace flexibility (time off).
- Beyond compliance, a focus on accessibility can reduce turnover, improve productivity, raise morale, and foster a more diverse workforce.
What is workplace accessibility?
In 2025, 22.8% of people with a disability in the US were employed. This marks a steady increase since 2020, illustrating the positive progression of workplace equality. However, unemployment rates are still almost double for those with disabilities compared to people without disabilities.
With this in mind, getting accessibility in the workplace right is important to ensure every employee is included, comfortable, and content at work. From employee access to workday accessibility, HR teams have to stay on top of people’s needs and requirements.
Our payroll system automatically posts payroll journal entries to your general ledger & lets you easily share quarter-to-date, year-to-date and custom payroll reports with your Finance team.
Not only is workplace accessibility the right thing to do for your employees, but in the US, it’s a legal requirement. In fact, failure to make reasonable accommodations in the workplace could result in legal action.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything HR teams should know about workplace accessibility, including key considerations for small businesses when hiring and expanding.
Metrics-driven approach to prioritize candidate skills
In 2025, 22.8% of people with a disability in the US were employed. This marks a steady increase since 2020, illustrating the positive progression of workplace equality. However, unemployment rates are still almost double for those with disabilities compared to people without disabilities.
With this in mind, getting accessibility in the workplace right is important to ensure every employee is included, comfortable, and content at work. From employee access to workday accessibility, HR teams have to stay on top of people’s needs and requirements.
Here are the metrics employers must focus on:
1. Job performance correlation (impact on KPIs)
These are the skills that show a strong correlation with high-impact outcomes, and help the employee meet their KPIs.
2. Communication effectiveness
Skills related to conveying ideas clearly and listening actively that improve team collaboration and client satisfaction.
3. Problem-solving agility
The ability to quickly identify issues and implement effective solutions, minimizing downtime and errors.
4. Adaptability to change
How well employees adjust to new tools, processes, or market conditions to maintain productivity.
5. Leadership and mentorship
Capabilities in guiding teams and developing junior staff to foster a growth-oriented environment.
6. Technical proficiency
Mastery of job-specific software and tools that enhance efficiency and accuracy in daily tasks.
7. Time management skills
The effectiveness in prioritizing and completing tasks within deadlines to ensure smooth project flow.
Metrics-driven approach to prioritize candidate skills
In 2025, 22.8% of people with a disability in the US were employed. This marks a steady increase since 2020, illustrating the positive progression of workplace equality. However, unemployment rates are still almost double for those with disabilities compared to people without disabilities.
With this in mind, getting accessibility in the workplace right is important to ensure every employee is included, comfortable, and content at work. From employee access to workday accessibility, HR teams have to stay on top of people’s needs and requirements.
Here are the metrics employers must focus on:
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Table of Contents
- What Does Executive Diversity Look Like in New York Today?
- Structural Barriers to Executive Inclusion
- Inclusion by Design: Rewiring Leadership Development Frameworks
