As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, we cheer ourselves by thinking of future socializing in-person. We also think about returning to work or activities we love. These hopes help us through the challenges of physical distancing. Moreover, these challenges show us that we can be more flexible or more creative than we thought we could. For instance, work during the pandemic has taken new forms and new strategies for success. Many of these strategies are also practices that help employers accommodate workers with disabilities. Employers and colleagues are working in new ways and supporting workers in diverse circumstances. In the post-COVID-19 future, more employers may learn how job performance improves when workers’ diverse needs are met. Consequently, more employers may continue to use diverse work strategies and hire workers with disabilities. For example, employers may hire more remote workers with disabilities after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Remote Workers with Disabilities After the COVID-19 Pandemic
As workplaces encourage people to work remotely, some are providing workers with the technology they need to do their jobs at home. Furthermore, workplaces are supporting workers who need more flexibility in their schedules. For instance, some remote workers are also caring for children at home and helping them as they learn online. As a result, employers are learning to be more flexible when they:
- Schedule shifts or meetings
- Assign tasks or deadlines
When the world is healthy, working from home is useful or preferable for some workers, but not for everyone. Likewise, remote work is usually helpful for some workers with disabilities, but not others. Nonetheless, remote work can be a valuable accommodation for many reasons, such as:
- Enhanced focus in quiet locations
- Physical barriers in the workplace
Alternatively, some people may work part of the time from home and come to their workplace for specific job tasks. The accommodation of remote work ensures that people can continue to earn their living and use their skills to help colleagues. Remote work also helps people keep busy and gives them a reason to interact with others despite physical isolation. These benefits have become necessity throughout the province. In a new era of employment for people with disabilities after COVID-19, remote workers of all abilities can use these strategies to thrive at work.