Championing Disability Inclusion in the Workplace

Securing and retaining employment can be a significant challenge for people with disabilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2023 report, “Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics,”  showed that across all levels of education, people with a disability were much less likely to be employed than those with no disability. Furthermore, the unemployment rate for people with a disability was 7.2 percent in 2023, about twice that of those with no disability (3.5 percent). 

These are some of the challenges many of us will face  at some point. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 28.7% of adults in the U.S. live with some type of disability. The World Health Organization forecasts that almost everyone  will temporarily or permanently experience disability in their life.   

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a time to recognize America’s workers with disabilities. At Unum Group, we proudly celebrate their many accomplishments and promote disability inclusion in the workplace and our communities. 

 

Our purpose of helping the working world thrive throughout life’s moments also guides our corporate social responsibility and workplace culture. 

 

An appreciation for differences is a core part of who we are and a We Are Unum value. Our inclusion and diversity strategy fosters an accessible culture where all employees can be authentic and contribute to our diversity of thought. This collective work has led to Unum Group being named one of the “Best Places to Work” on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) by Disability:IN. The DEI is a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities that objectively measures disability inclusion practices and procedures. Companies are rated on several key performance indicators, including culture, leadership, accessibility, employment, community engagement, and supplier diversity. 

Unum Group’s CEO Rick McKenney reinforced this commitment by signing the Disability:IN CEO Letter on Disability Inclusion , joining more than 200 CEOs in a collective resolution to build inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplaces. 

Through our purpose, workers and their families can trust that Unum Group will be there in times of need. Our comprehensive range of disability insurance products and benefits protect families, finances, and their futures. This commitment to the disability community is evident not just in our products and services, but also in the values that shape our workplace culture and guide our support for the communities we serve.   

A vital resource in ensuring every employee can see themselves in the daily work of our business is our Employee Networks (ENs). At the heart of our Inclusion Network, the ENs serve as the voice of the Unum Group workforce as we build community, promote allyship, increase cultural competency, and create connections throughout the business.  

 

“The enABLE employee network focuses on engagement, expanding awareness and professional growth and development for employees with disabilities and employees who are allies to those with disabilities. We are working on programs and initiatives for 2025 within our theme of ‘innovating for a more accessible tomorrow.’”

-Heather M. Rondeau, ALHC Offset Specialist, Co-lead enABLE Employee Network

 

Our caring spirit is a driving force that extends beyond the workplace. Unum Group’s corporate social responsibility strategy is committed to creating stronger, more equitable communities where we live and work.    

 

Through funding support and volunteerism, one example of organizations Unum Group supports is the Orange Grove Center , whose mission is recognizing, supporting, and celebrating the qualities of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their value as part of our community in Chattanooga. Their Employment Services program utilizes job developers and job coaches to train individuals and match them with employers who align with their skills and interests.   

   

Learn more about Unum Group’s commitment to our customers, communities, and workforce.