The ring of confidence

There are so many good things to have come out of Switzerland.? Zurich Insurance obviously. The national flag is a big plus. But we shouldn’t overlook dentist Philippe-Guy Woog - in 1954 he invented the electric toothbrush to facilitate tooth brushing for people with motor-skills impairments.? According to a survey this year, more than two-thirds of British adults are now using an electric toothbrush. It’s just one example of an invention or an adjustment designed with disability in mind that benefits so many more people.

Some employers may be reluctant to employ disabled workers for fear of expensive adjustments.? The reality is that any adjustments are typically easy to implement ?and very low cost – likely to be under ￡100 – and many, like the electric toothbrush, will benefit others. Zurich recently introduced sensory heatmaps of all its offices, designed to highlight where an office might be warmer or colder, lighter or darker, and levels of noise, foot traffic, and smells, to give colleagues a better understanding of what to expect in each area of the office, which could help neurodivergent colleagues for example, or those experiencing menopause.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a United Nations day that is celebrated every year on 3 December, the same week this year that Zurich was reaccredited as a ‘Disability Confident Leader’ (we first achieved ‘Leader’ status in 2017). I’m proud that we’ve achieved this, but more importantly I believe the scheme represents an opportunity for the Insurance industry to take a lead, whether you’re a large insurer or smaller broker.

The Government Disability Confident scheme The Disability Confident scheme is a nationally recognised government accreditation designed to get more disabled people into work. It recognises ongoing work to improve access to products and services for customers and the creation of a more inclusive and supportive culture for employees, where disability isn’t seen as a barrier to opportunities and progression.

There’s more detail on the Government website. In terms of headlines though, the Disability Confident scheme helps employers recruit and retain great people, and to:

??????? challenge attitudes and increase?understanding of disability

??????? draw from the widest possible pool of talent

??????? secure high-quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working

??????? improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating fair treatment

It also helps identify those employers who are committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace, and it’s clear that consumers and job seekers are increasingly gravitating to organizations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to social responsibility in all its guises. Diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives, ideas, and problem-solving approaches. Employers can access government support schemes, such as the Access to Work program, which provides funding for more expensive workplace adjustments, making it easier for disabled individuals to work efficiently (but too often seen as a ‘best kept secret’).

There are 3 levels which companies progress through over time.

• Disability Confident Committed (Level 1)
• Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)
• Disability Confident Leader (Level 3)

It’s the real thing…

You can get a real sense of the benefits from this two and a half minute video here about two employees, Mo and Christine,? at Coca Cola .

Andrew Parker, Head of People and Culture explains why Lifesearch are involved:

“LifeSearch has always been committed to giving everyone opportunities; whatever their walk of life and whatever their life experience. Becoming a Disability Confident employer felt like a natural next step to give us a measurable programme to hold ourselves accountable against. The opportunity to learn from other organisations and share our own successes feels like a great way to grow the work and reach of Disability Confident”.

Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now..

Getting started is really easy and I and other industry colleagues already on the journey would very happily talk through the benefits and the process with anyone looking to take those first steps.? Talking of steps, ‘dropped kerbs’ on pavements were designed those in wheelchairs cross roads more easily and safely, but they don’t help just wheelchair users - anyone pushing a buggy or pulling a shopping bag will be equally glad they’re there.

I started with a Swiss Dentist and I’ll end with a German poet, Goethe, with a strong call to action: “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative and creation. There is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”

An article first published in Professional Adviser in December 2023

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