It's High Time for Inclusion: Employment of Disabled Individuals in Thuringia
Approximately 20% of businesses lack employees with disabilities among their relevant workforce. - Approximately 20% of the property holdings lack residency by individuals with significant disabilities
Let's talk about the dismal reality in Thuringia where more than one in five companies is turning a blind eye to their legal obligation to hire disabled individuals. Yep, you heard that right, around 20.8% of companies with employment obligations didn't employ a single disabled person in 2023!
But let's not get too downhearted, cause there's a silver lining! The law on the inclusive labor market introduced tougher penalties for these defendants. Starting January 1, 2024, companies that shy away from their obligations could be slapped with a hefty compensation fee, reaching up to 720 euros per month – yikes!
So, what's the current state of employment earlier mentioned? Well, about 25k disabled individuals managed to land socially insured jobs in 2023, with the majority aged 45 or older. Most of them worked in manufacturing, public administration, or the social and healthcare sectors.
But we're not stopping there! The percentage of companies fulfilling their legal obligation to hire disabled individuals has been crawling, with only around 44.9% meeting the mark in 2023. That's a far cry from the 46.4% ten years ago! The remaining companies only partially filled the legally prescribed positions, meaning they're missing out on the opportunity to create a more inclusive workforce.
The promotion of inclusion for disabled workers is getting more important due to demographic shifts, as emphasized by the chairman of the regional office. Support and awareness are crucial to breaking down stereotypes and achieving better integration at work – and the good news is, there are resources available! Rehabilitation specialists can be found in every local employment agency to provide guidance, and there's a wide range of support initiatives like qualification programs, wage supplements, and technical assistance to help companies embrace inclusion.
But that's not all! Thuringia is stepping up its game by hosting the Thuringian Diversity Days 2025, with a focus on promoting diversity and anti-discrimination. The events cover topics relevant to accessibility and inclusion for disabled individuals in education, science, and the workforce, reinforcing an institutional push to support inclusion. Some companies, like Baxter, are also showing commitment by offering reasonable accommodations to disabled candidates during the job application and interview process. Universities in Thuringia also provide funding programs like "eTeach Freiräume" to promote accessibility and inclusive teaching methods, enhancing the chances of disabled individuals to acquire skills and enter the workforce.
Here's the deal: Thuringia is making strides towards a more inclusive workforce by hosting diversity events, pushing for company commitments, and supporting education initiatives. It's not just about meeting legal obligations; it's about bridging the gap between able-bodied and disabled individuals in the workforce and creating a culture that values the contributions of everyone. Better stated, it's time to break down barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive labor market – let's all hop on board and make it happen! [*1, *2, *3, *5]
In light of the efforts towards a more inclusive workforce in Thuringia, it would be beneficial for companies to consider vocational training programs as a means of equipping disabled individuals with the skills needed for various industries, including finance and business. To further support this goal, the community policy could include financial incentives for businesses that prioritize the employment of disabled workers, thereby fostering a more inclusive and diverse business environment. [*1, 5, 6, *7]
As part of the drive to promote inclusion, Thuringia's upcoming diversity events could feature sessions dedicated to discussing vocational training programs tailored for disabled individuals, helping them gain a foothold in the labor market and ultimately contribute to the growth and development of various industries. [*2, 3, 4]
