Ohio Business Leadership Network: Empowering Companies Through Inclusive Employment Practices

Ohio Business Leadership Network: Empowering Companies Through Inclusive Employment Practices

Have you heard about the Ohio Business Leadership Network (OBLN)? If not, you’re missing out on an opportunity to learn about an organization that’s making a big impact on how businesses view and practice diversity and inclusion.

OBLN is a statewide nonprofit organization that helps companies create more inclusive workplaces. Their mission is to empower companies to benefit from the talents of people with disabilities, while also addressing the gaps and barriers that often prevent people with disabilities from entering and succeeding in the workforce.

What is Inclusive Employment?

Inclusive employment means creating a work environment where everyone feels valued and their contributions are recognized. It involves removing barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities, such as physical or attitudinal barriers. It also means providing accommodations and supports so that individuals with disabilities can perform the essential functions of their job.

Through inclusive employment practices, companies can benefit from a more diverse and talented workforce, improved employee morale and retention, and increased profitability. It’s a win-win situation for companies and individuals with disabilities.

How OBLN Helps Companies

OBLN supports companies in a variety of ways, such as:

1. Providing resources and training: OBLN offers resources and training to help companies understand the benefits of inclusive employment practices and how to implement them.

2. Networking opportunities: OBLN connects companies with other businesses that have successfully implemented inclusive employment practices, allowing for knowledge sharing and idea generation.

3. Job fairs and other recruitment initiatives: OBLN hosts job fairs and other recruitment initiatives to connect employers with job seekers with disabilities.

4. Recognition and certification: OBLN recognizes and certifies companies for their commitment to inclusive employment, providing them with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Success Stories

Here are just a few examples of how OBLN has helped companies create more inclusive workplaces:

1. OhioHealth, a not-for-profit healthcare system, worked with OBLN to develop an inclusive hiring process that resulted in a 20% increase in the number of job applicants with disabilities.

2. The Kroger Company, a retail grocery chain, implemented an initiative to hire people with disabilities after attending an OBLN event. Since then, Kroger has continued to work with OBLN to improve their inclusive employment practices.

3. Aero Industries, a company that manufactures tarps and cargo control products, became the first company in Ohio to achieve OBLN’s Inclusive Workplace Leadership Award for their commitment to hiring and supporting employees with disabilities.

Conclusion

Inclusive employment practices benefit both companies and individuals with disabilities. Ohio Business Leadership Network is an excellent resource for companies looking to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Through their resources, training, networking, and recognition initiatives, OBLN is helping to change how Ohio companies view and practice diversity and inclusion.