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Cal Wilson / May 10, 2021

Internet in the Age of COVID — Is your service enough?

From working and studying at home to an increase in online shopping, we, as a global community, have never used the internet more. Unfortunately, this has exposed some serious weaknesses in the strength of our networks.  

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, internet inequity was a pressing issue in North America. Connection to high speed broadband internet has been tied to better health, education, and financial prosperity. In a global crisis where isolation is part of the solution, this is more relevant than ever.  

In the past year, some analytics report a 50 percent increase in internet usage, just in the United States. For many families with two adults working from home, the home internet that had been working fine before COVID-19 is no longer sufficient. Especially if they also have children doing virtual schooling, streaming content, or gaming. The strain of the past year to networks’ infrastructure has meant that providers are having to come up with new solutions.  

Before lockdowns, networks were accustomed to peak activity times, as well as down times, based on typical consumer habits. Your office or institution’s peak times would be the inverse. Offices and institutions, such as universities, can typically support these heavier peak times, because they pay for “enterprise grade” internet broadband service, which utilize higher quality cables and piping than your typical neighborhood.  

As The New York Times explained it in an article last year, “many offices and schools essentially have the equivalent of a big pipe to carry internet traffic, compared with a garden hose for most homes.” 

This has created an obvious difficulty for business owners with employees working from home, as well as for employees already struggling with pandemic-related stress.  

In the United States, big carriers like Verizon, Cox, and Charter, among others, have taken measures to meet the increase in demand over the past year. The carriers’ challenge was to make home internet fit the expectations of business services. From upgrading plans, forgiving overages, and promising to improve infrastructure, measures have been taken by all major carriers to adjust to the new reality.  

In Canada, the situation has been similar, impacting rural Canadians most severely. Those working or running businesses out of small towns found they were out of options when it came to trying to adjust virtually. One study done in collaboration with the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) and Maclean’s found that “estimates just 46 per cent of rural Canadians have access to internet that meets that minimum standard, compared to 80 per cent for the country as a whole” and “in each of Canada’s 417 municipalities with more than 9,000 people–including the biggest cities, like Toronto–many people live with web connections that aren’t sufficient to work or study from home.” 

This is not just a Canadian problem. In Wisconsin alone, there are roughly 411,000 households without access to broadband speeds.  

Across North America, the answer to the dilemma posed by work from home seems to be improved infrastructure. This infrastructure is already implemented in downtown cores of cities, where multiple people on one residential network can be working or studying simultaneously. Outside of these cores, the current infrastructure can often only support one heavy user.  

The problem has been, as always with connectivity inequity, is that carriers only profit off investing in better infrastructure when there are enough residents in the area to purchase the service. This creates a problem for residents and business owners with employees working from home alike. The pandemic has seen an increasing urgency in adopting internet connectivity into the realm of public infrastructure.  

 

Cal Wilson / April 19, 2021

Is your Business Impacted by the Global Shipping Container Shortage?

You may have seen a meme or two about the Suez Canal recently, but you may not know it was only one part of a global shipping crisis. The international economy is experiencing a shipping container shortage that is impacting businesses big and small.  

As of right now, containers used to ship larger or bulk product are in high demand and low supply, sending delivery speeds and prices skyrocketing. According to German media outlet Deutsche Welle, some manufacturers shipping product out of China have seen an increase by as much as 100 percent from the beginning of 2020 to now.  

Not only is there a lack of container availability, but physical space on cargo vessels is also low. This is the result of a stark increase in demand over the past year, paired with an inability of the industry to keep up. Before the pandemic, there was not a financial incentive for shipowners to grow their fleets; now they are struggling to meet the ever-increasing demand. 

COVID-19 disrupted the shipping industry.  

Consumer demands caused by lockdowns across the world reignited the shipping industry in a way it had not seen in over a decade. Likewise, various waves of the virus completely halted production in different regions, at different times. Shipping to and from East Asia in the beginning of 2020, causing a supply-chain imbalance that did not quite recover until August. With new waves of lockdowns, and the Ever Given incident in the Suez Canal, we are again thrown way off track.  

Consumer trends during lockdowns have certainly impacted the shipping industry. The past year has seen less money spent on travel and services, and more spent on appliances, furniture, workout and sport equipment, bicycles, and other luxury items that can be enjoyed from home. These products often involve container shipping, and the increased demand has retailers stocking up warehouses pre-emptively. Fleet owners simply cannot meet these demands.  

Port cities are also struggling to adjust. Balancing the consumer need with the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic proves a challenge for some of the world’s biggest hubs. Los Angeles, for example, requires that inbound ships wait ten days before entering the port — which of course is extended if anyone on the crew becomes sick. These are valuable workers, ships, and containers, spending many business days quarantined. While these measures certainly protect us from spreading the virus, they have also presented a big industry problem.  

How is this impacting your business?  

It may seem like a faraway problem, but really, shipping fee increases are likely costing you. From slower speeds, to increased prices, many retailers and other business owners are feeling the consequences of this imbalance.  

If your business is locked into a long-term shipping contract, that was signed before COVID-19, you’re one of the lucky ones. For many businesses though, old contracts have not been enough to satiate new demands.  

For North American exporters, shipping shortages have been an especially painful part of the pandemic. Farmers who provide staple crops to the rest of the world have found it difficult to get their product off the continent. For example, in 2020, China was the leading buyer of Canadian-grown peas. Now, farmers are finding they do not have access to shipping containers to get their product overseas.  

Whether you rely on importing or exporting goods to maintain your business, chances are you’ve been subjected to the repercussions of the shipping crisis, either in cost or in transport delays.  

A solution in sight?  

Experts predict that the shipping demand is not set to ease up any time soon. Hapag Lloyd, a German-based global shipping giant, ordered six new container ships for its fleet before Christmas 2020, but does not expect to see them delivered until 2023.  

Some industries, such as Canadian farmers, have begun lobbying their governments for some kind of regulation to keep them afloat in the midst of this crisis.  

Cal Wilson / April 16, 2021

Helping your team avoid burnout

We all feel the pressure to get as much done as possible – it’s the way we have been socialized, from school to the workplace. While productivity and hard work are necessary for a business to thrive, so too is protecting your employees from burnout, especially when they are working from home.

During the pandemic, there has been an added cultural pressure to be more productive than ever before. Whether its baking fresh bread every week, or learning a new language, we have all been asked to substitute the time taken up by our previous routine with something arbitrarily worthwhile. Many people have found this increased productivity mindset spilling into the way they work. While that extra effort from a team member is great, it’s also your job as a leader to make sure they don’t burn themselves out.

Think about your team. Who is doing more than usual? Who is volunteering for more than you suspect they truly have the time to complete? Who is taking less time for themselves? Call it Type A, workaholism, or ‘toxic productivity’ – call it whatever you will, but make sure it’s being addressed.

One of the main problems with this compulsive productivity mindset is that it can be fueled by guilt. Employees prone to this behavior may be experiencing a sense of guilt and insecurity for not having done more. Setting impossible standards for productivity, and feeling shame when those are not completed, can also lead to a perception of self-failure, even when the opposite is true.

This burn-out inducing pattern can lead to poorer quality of work, irritability, fatigue and exhaustion, lack of engagement, anxiety, and even physical illness. You care about your employees’ wellbeing, and want to retain talent; advocating for your team before they reach this point is just one of the many ways you can show your strong leadership.

Foster a culture that acknowledges the importance of downtime.

Even if your team insists on jumping from one project to the next, ensure they know they can and should take the proper time to care for themselves, especially outside of work hours.

Lead by example when it comes to self-care. Share with your employees how you prioritize your time off, and take some of the guilt away from the prospect of them completely removing work from their Saturday vocabulary. Make the expectation clear that engagement is important during work hours, and detachment is encouraged outside of that time.

A lot of the time, employees who are prone to ‘toxic productivity’ are anxious that it is required to keep in good standing with their manager. You can nip that in the bud by assuring them that this isn’t the case. Be enthusiastic and acknowledging of their accomplishments and deliverables, not the fullness of their schedule.

Listen.

It’s easy to preach self-care and work-life-balance, but it’s harder to know how your advice is being put to task. Maybe some aspect of your expectations for a team member is preventing them from feeling able to relax outside the workplace.

If you notice an employee struggling, take the time to show concern, ask questions, and graciously accept feedback. If you can take on the role of coach or counsellor to help an employee flourish in their career, that will be hugely rewarding to you, them, and your business.

Don’t gate-keep time off.

Within the appropriate requirements of their position, allow your employees to take the time off that they need without feeling the need to defend that decision. When sick days and holiday days go unused, you have to ask yourself, does my team feel safe to ask for time off?

Especially when working from home, it can be hard to ask for a day off for something like stress or fatigue. And yet, these conditions can drastically impact the quality of work.

Being understanding, respecting privacy, and giving employees the space to choose themselves can help them develop the trust they need to prioritize themselves.

Cal Wilson / April 12, 2021

Networking opportunities — Tips on how to grow your LinkedIn network.

As the saying goes: “It’s not what you know–it’s who you know.” Every entrepreneur or business owner knows the power of a strong professional network. The right connections can offer access to exciting new opportunities, help to grow your company, introduce you to new leads, and so much more. A strong network is essential to take your business to the next level.

Now that we’ve been through 2020 without in-person networking, social networking tools, such as LinkedIn, have become an incredibly effective way to meet new people and build mutually beneficial relationships virtually. It is especially beneficial if you work remotely, or find that local events are thin on the ground.

LinkedIn is one of the best digital platforms to help grow your professional network, completely dedicated to being a professional medium, making it easy to facilitate connections from wherever you have internet access.

LinkedIn encourages all 700+ million users across the globe, to connect, gather information, and share ideas. It’s an amazing and very powerful tool, to grow not only your business, but also your professional career — the resources are unlimited!

With all of this in mind, here are some tips to help fine-tune your online profile and grow your LinkedIn network.

 

Make your profile public.

By adjusting the customizable settings, this simple change will allow you to show up in searches, and control what information is visible to the public when your profile comes up in a search engine result.

Keep up to date.

When was the last time you updated your profile? Your business goals should be constantly evolving, so updating your profile for accuracy and improvement possibilities is a necessity. Filling out your profile as completely as possible will help to give you the LinkedIn profile and personal brand that you deserve. Your headline is positioned right below your name on your profile and will be the first thing visitors read. Use keywords to describe what you accomplished in the experience fields and don’t waste this valuable space! Add your headshot According to LinkedIn, profiles with headshots are fourteen times more likely to be viewed than those without a profile picture. Be sure to use a photo in which you look professional, and is appropriate for your professional industry. .

Be engaging and active.

Make it a point to be active and consistent on LinkedIn, and see your network get a natural boost! Try sharing your own original content through the publishing platform tool — this allows users to easily publish articles directly on LinkedIn, much like a blog. Showcase yourself in front of others by commenting on posts, and sharing content from people you follow, and you’ll soon find opportunities to get involved in the conversation.

Highlight your account.

Configure your e-mail signature to include a link to your LinkedIn profile. Now, every email you send is an opportunity to increase your social reach. This easily accessible and free marketing tactic can effectively boost extra traffic to your account.

Personalize connection requests.

A network that can generate leads and boost your career should be your target, so sending the same generic connection message to your prospects can hurt your account’s credibility. It’s always a good idea to include a personal note with any connection requests, and this step becomes even more important when you’re reaching out to someone you haven’t yet met or been introduced to. It takes only an extra few seconds, and it makes a BIG difference in getting a response.

Cal Wilson / April 5, 2021

Is your business ready to phase out landline phone systems?

Slowly but surely, landline phone systems are being replaced. In some parts of the world, like the United Kingdom, there are even plans to phase them out entirely by the end of the decade. If your business still uses a landline — even if it’s worked great for you so far — there is a good chance you’ll feel the pressure from your vendors to move to a different voice system soon. 

One of the many available options is a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system. It might sound daunting to make the switch to a system that is out of your comfort zone. The best thing you can do is arm yourself with knowledge beforehand.  

So what is VoIP?  

VoIP allows your team to make phone calls using an internet connect as opposed to phone lines. It can be transmitted through a traditional, physical phone alongside a VoIP adapter, or software, downloaded onto a computer or smartphone. There are also dedicated VoIP phones that look just like a traditional analog phone, but are designed specifically for this technology.  

You’ve probably encountered a VoIP phone call before, even if you didn’t recognize it. If you have ever called a customer support line with an automated directory, such as a bank, chances are good that you connected with their VoIP line. This and a whole host of other features is what makes VoIP really attractive to many businesses.  

Why make the switch?  

One of the main reasons to make the switch to VoIP is the low cost. VoIP calls are made over the internet, meaning that you’re paying for internet service, as well as the software and hardware, and not telephone service fees. Especially when it comes to long distance calling or international calling, this can save you a lot of money.  

While social distancing, VoIP is also a much more practical solution for remote workers. Why pay to install a landline in an employee’s home when you could put a soft phone app on their computer?  

Typically, VoIP phone systems offer more features than landline systems as well. From automated directories to call recording to voice to email services, VoIP comes with a handful of perks that can make your busy work schedule a bit easier.  

In an increasingly digitized world, VoIP phone systems have come to be the expected level of quality that many businesses provide their customers when offering customer service. E-Commerce businesses especially have to rely on this technology, when they have customers making purchases and needing assistance from various time zones across the globe. Not only do VoIP’s features allow for a more seamless experience for the customer when no one is available to pick up the phone, but they also ensure that you can have phone agents set up anywhere at any time.  

VoIP systems allow you to integrate the voice experience with other platforms, as well. For example, it allows you to build a call function into an online chat help portal, without the customer needing to explain their issue twice. This makes it less frustrating for the customer, but also easier for the employees and managers using VoIP to keep a record of what has been discussed.  

Good customer experiences are important for your business, and not to be undervalued.  

What do you need to use VoIP?  

Because there are many options for using a VoIP phone system, it is a more flexible option in terms of equipment. The most important part of utilizing VoIP effectively is a reliable internet connection with proper security to prevent hacking. Unfortunately, in areas where internet connection is unreliable or poorly serviced, this does make VoIP less accessible than landline options.  

Otherwise, there is relatively little hardware involved once you have the proper software. If you are using a computer or smartphone, you will probably want a decent quality headset with a microphone. If you want to use a traditional phone, you will need either a VoIP-specific phone, or a traditional phone set compatible with a VoIP adapter.  

Be up to date with your technology. 

Now more than ever, it’s important to be current with your tech. With many day-to-day tasks being handled virtually and remotely, your landline phone system might not make the cut.  

Cal Wilson / April 1, 2021

Strong leadership includes strong delegation

By definition, you can’t be a team of one. Among the most important responsibilities of any leader is knowing how to make the most of their team’s strengths, and delegate the workload appropriately. Learning to master delegation will result in a better work environment for your entire team, whilst playing to every individual’s personal talent.

In this issue of the Pulse, we take a look at some of the important things to consider when you’re attempting to improve your delegation and workload management skills.

Know your team and your tasks

It’s important to conduct a proper analysis of your workload and your team’s capabilities. Some things really will be better if you’re the one doing them, and those are jobs you shouldn’t delegate if you don’t need to. However, many of your responsibilities might be better served by your colleagues or employees – especially if they can afford to put more focus on the task in question. It also might be important to analyze what responsibilities you can shift from one employee to another. Can you lighten someone else’s workload by positively challenging another?

Likewise, as a leader, it will be very beneficial to identify which tasks are time-wasters in your schedule. Someone less senior on your team can certainly take care of these, freeing you up for the work that can only be completed by you.

A mental inventory of your whole team’s strengths, weaknesses, and workload is crucial when being honest and analytical in the delegation process.

Be clear and effective when assigning work

When delegating work to other members of your team, it’s important that they have the proper instructions and expectations from the start. It is more efficient to take the time to give a thorough explanation, rather than troubleshooting or re-doing work later.

If you’re setting expectations for a co-worker without being fully transparent, it also has the potential to cause a rift in your working relationship.

Give and receive feedback authentically

After a task is completed, give constructive feedback to your team member. Did their initiative impress you? How could they improve next time? It’s also critical that you are receptive to their feedback. Did they feel overwhelmed by the task given, or were your instructions perhaps not clear enough? Keeping that open, authentic dialogue, and creating an environment where your staff feel safe to participate, will allow for a much more fulfilled workspace.

Consider implementing a digital solution

There are a myriad of different technologies dedicated to helping a team run effectively. Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Trello are just a handful of the tools you can utilize to delegate tasks to your staff, and to assure everyone remains accountable for the work they’re responsible for. Especially with staff working at home, a virtual platform dedicated to communication and teamwork is a no-brainer.

Avoid micromanagement

It can be hard to trust that anything is getting it done without your attentive supervision. But relax – trust that you made the right hiring and delegating decisions. Trust in your own abilities as a leader, and your team’s talent in their roles. If you set them up for success, believe that they can succeed. If they don’t, it’s a learning experience for all involved.

You work hard, and you deserve the benefit of knowing your team has your back. Hopefully these strategies can help your workplace and schedule thrive.

Cal Wilson / March 29, 2021

Networking  in a Virtual World

If you’re not networking, you’re missing out on significant career-growing opportunities. It’s that simple. Building professional relationships can make the difference between staying professionally stagnant and climbing the career ladder to success.

As we continue to see activities slowed by the overwhelming disruption of COVID-19, and with social restrictions and regulations introduced to stop the spread, face-to-face networking has understandably taken a major hit this past year.

Many businesses require networking to function; the ability to forge new relationships with coworkers, customers, and potential clients during the pandemic has now become more of a necessity than an option. Although it may seem difficult, networking during COVID-19 is not impossible– however, your approach and attitude may need to change to embrace the evolving social landscape.

While the days of meeting others at industry events and conferences, exchanging business cards and shaking hands are temporarily on hold, there are ways to expand network connections and develop solid professional relationships virtually.

The key to successful networking is to get to know people, have genuine conversations and provide value. The good news is that a lot of these principles still hold true – but for those who are finding the transition to be challenging, here are some tips to help grow your business by networking virtually.

Get comfortable with new technology

It doesn’t matter what platform you use – Zoom, Skype, and WebEx are a few of the most popular– giving yourself enough time to work through any kinks before the meeting is slated to begin is imperative to a successful virtual connection. Run a test of your setup before each virtual networking opportunity to ensure that your audio and video outputs are good and avoid any potential technical issues or annoying glitches by checking that the internet connection is stable. 

Be prepared

Preparation is a key component of virtual networking. Planning questions or an agenda beforehand will not only show professionalism but help direct the conversation topics and keep all participants on-track. This preparedness will help keep that connection with your contact, resulting in both parties getting the most value out of the experience. Also, if attending an online networking event, a good idea is to look at the list of confirmed attendees and decide, ahead of time, who you would want to meet. 

Attend virtual events

Having quickly adapted to our new socially distanced reality, many conferences and other similar events have already taken a virtual approach to networking. With physical location no longer a barrier, we can even re-think geographic boundaries. Events are now available worldwide, attracting a wider range of participants who are ready to network online. With easy sign-ups and interactive livestreams, connecting with other guests has never been easier.

Build a social media presence.

As people stay at home during COVID-19, they’re increasingly turning to digital media channels to connect. Social media platforms such as LinkedIn can be a goldmine for networking, as an online profile can help connect you with opportunities by showcasing your unique professional story. Instead of thinking about social networking’s value as a number of followers, work to build quality relationships, and watch the connections grow. Start building your network by inviting people you already know to connect, such as family, friends, community members and business contacts, then expand that circle to increase your visibility.

Practice your writing

While remote networking is great on paper, it’s not without its challenges, and not everyone you connect with will be readily accessible for video chats. These potential contacts will likely prefer to message back and forth to fit their schedule. Honing your writing skills to ensure a professional tone will reflect your attention and appreciation when communicating – especially during early interactions – as that crucial first impression is so important. Also be sure to send a thank-you message to anyone you do connect with, as this simple but memorable gesture often goes a long way.

Follow up and follow through — but don’t be a pest

If you told someone you would get in touch with them or promised to introduce someone to a person you know, take the time to do it. It often only takes minutes to shoot off an email and keep the relationship alive. If you do not hear back from a person with whom you want to network, a follow-up is fine, but remember: if you try many times in quick succession, you could quickly be perceived as an annoyance.

Cal Wilson / March 22, 2021

Are You Falling Behind Without an E-Signature Plan?

When it’s difficult or unsafe to have an in-person meeting, digital solutions are crucial for the well-being of your business and the convenience of your clientele. One solution that is helping businesses run smoothly right now is eSignature. Not only do digital signatures cut down on your supply costs, but in general, they are a smoother process for customers who want to be able to conduct their business quickly and remotely. If you don’t have an eSignature option, it might be costing you.

So what exactly is eSignature technology? Simply put, it streamlines the process of signing documents over the internet. When you cannot sign in person, the typical process in document signing has been to download a form, print, sign, scan, save as a PDF, and send it back. Not only is this a big waste of paper and ink, but it is also tedious, and poses a risk for forgery and other kinds of fraud. A good eSignature software includes an authentication process, and makes it easier for both parties. The client won’t have to go through the hassle of taking all those steps just to sign a form, and the signed form will be safely stored for your use, with no risk of being lost in a crowded inbox.

Today, the world remains gripped by a pandemic that has necessitated doing our very best to avoid physical contact with one another, and by extension, things others have touched. Electronic signatures continue surging in popularity, with newer, faster and more secure programs hitting the market every day.

While laws are different everywhere, general legal requirements for a signature are met by an electronic signature if it:

  • Adequately identifies the signatory
  • Adequately indicates the signatory’s approval or acceptance of the information
  • Is as reliable as is appropriate under the circumstances of the signing

Electronic signature programs have several requirements to be considered reliable, but there are two main ones. The first is that the means of creating the signature is linked to the person signing the document alone. Secondly, if any changes to the signature or documents are detectable digitally through the verification of data integrity.

This technology is accessible, quick, and takes the burden off the customer. We’ve established that eSignatures are a no-brainer when it comes to the current climate, so what should you be looking for in an eSignature software?

It’s important to make sure the product you choose has mobile app compatibility. It’s easier and more convenient for some of your customers to sign documents on their phone or tablet, rather than on a PC. Other important features you may want to look for is language diversity, an emphasis on encryption for signed documents, and whether or not customers will be required to download an app before using it.

Many of these products come with free trials, so you can shop around to find a solution that works best for your business. If you’re looking for the best option for your business, or you’re worried that your current eSignature solution is missing the mark, Schooley Mitchell can help save you money and find the perfect solution for you.

Cal Wilson / March 15, 2021

A Look to the Future: 6G

Advancement in technology is inevitable. From how we work, to how we play, to how we live our lives, technology has created a revolution that will continue to grow. As time passes and tech continues to improve, what was the latest and greatest yesterday, is considered old news today.

As wireless communication becomes increasingly essential to our daily lives, the demand  for wireless connectivity is escalating at an exponential rate, and technologists  and engineers have already turned their attention to its newest incarnation: 6G.

So, what is 6G and what will it look like?

These are the questions everyone has been asking since providers like Samsung, Nokia and Huawei announced the start of their 6G research and development over the past few months. 6G is shorthand for the sixth generation of wireless networks, the successor to 5G cellular technology.

With 5G networks having only very recently rolled out across the world, it might feel a little premature to accurately predict what 6G will look like – after all, it doesn’t exist yet. But there are several early indications as to what advancements we could see.

Here’s what we know so far about 6G technology, and what the future of wireless connectivity might hold.

Faster Download Speeds
Speed will likely be the most notable upgrade, as 6G is expected to see several hundred gigabits per second speeds, or even ranges into the terabytes. To put that into perspective, the current fastest 5G networks download a 90-minute movie in around 60 seconds. 6G download speeds would allow more than 140 hours of movies in that same minute.

Reliable Network
Along with the lightning-fast speeds will come improved network reliability. As entire companies and even industries have now moved to working online, faster and more reliable connectivity would improve the evolving needs of our hyper-connected world, meaning no more pixelated video calls or frustration over dropped connections during remote work meetings. At home, a more reliable network would allow for more securely connected devices, far exceeding anything that 5G will offer and putting an end to slow loading times and improving video streaming stability.

Improved Coverage
This significant upgrade would dramatically increase coverage in places like rural areas, where acquiring high-speed internet has often proven impractical. Broader coverage could see wireless networks spread their service wider, with accessibility extended to boats and ships miles out to sea, commercial flights thousands of feet in the sky, and potentially as far reaching as satellites and space stations outside of the earth’s immediate orbit!

With estimates placing a commercial roll-out around 2028, at the earliest, much of the above is still industry speculation. One thing, though, is for sure – when it finally arrives, 6G will be a connectivity game-changer for all of us.

Cal Wilson / March 6, 2021

A leader’s duty to accessibility

It can be hard to talk about disability and accessibility without perhaps being overwhelmed by the various intersections and varieties those terms encompass. What is accessible for one disabled employee might not cut it for another. While accessibility and disability might look different to each employee, client, or customer you encounter, the benefits to prioritizing their health and safety will positively impact your work environment for everyone.

Many workers with a disability function every day in an environment that was not designed for them. They do their work, meet their deadlines, and bring value to many businesses despite many social and structural obstacles set before them. However, the physical and emotional labor that goes into navigating an abled-centric world is exhausting, and can both negatively impact work and exacerbate disability. In order to prevent burnout, ableism, and continued hardship for your disabled employees, it is important to look beyond the legally mandated guidelines for accessibility, and truly focus on equity for individual employees as well as the culture of your workplace as a whole.

As a leader, it’s important that you look discrimination directly in the eye and make a concerted effort to face it down. Unfortunately, it’s not always so easy to see discrimination when it’s not happening directly to us, and while the culture surrounding workplace discrimination is gradually changing, it can still be extremely daunting for someone experiencing discrimination in any form to speak up. So how can you be proactive in order to best protect your employees?

RightHear, a company that focuses on accessibility tools and advocacy, offers advice to employers looking to make their environment more accessible. Two of their central suggestions are to “get educated” and “work as a team.” This might include taking sensitivity training, doing research, and simply being proactive about what might be a potential obstacle to a disabled coworker, rather than putting the burden of education on that coworker.

How can you make sure that you’re being accommodating to all your employees, regardless of whether or not they live with a disability? First, you can take the time to simply examine the layout of your building. Where might hallways be too narrow, or furniture be obstructive, to an employee who uses a mobility aid? Is your equipment usable by employees who are vision or hearing impaired? Is your sick day policy practical for employees with mental illness? You can undertake this inventory of your environment and company culture with the collaboration of your whole workforce.

Reconsider the concept of “normal” in the workplace:

Annika Konrad is a disability researcher and advocate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In a 2018 publication in Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, Konrad said, “all professionals need to actively question what has been assumed as ‘normal’ in workplaces and view ability as a multifaceted, embodied quality that manifests itself in different forms in different bodies…” In other words, ability looks different for everyone, and your workplace culture should reflect the needs and strengths of the people who bring it to life, rather than normative, often ableist, expectations.

An emphasis on community learning and a cultural shift towards accessibility in your workplace will be healthier for all your employees, not just the ones who have visible or disclosed disabilities. Compassion, empathy, and respect are integral values in a teamwork environment, as well as in practicing accessibility. This won’t only assist you in hiring the best person for the job, but it is also important in order retain your talented employees. Practicing proper accessibility in your workplace is not just beneficial, but vital to the health of your business.