October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. To honor the month, we are recognizing our progress toward creating a more inclusive workplace through a variety of events.
At Gartner we are dedicated to supporting our associates and giving them the tools they need to reach their full potential from day 1. From providing physical accommodations to associates who need it to offering our associates mental-health resources to providing caregivers the tools and flexibility they need to live well in all aspects of their life, we are committed to not only complying with disability laws but exceeding them with the benefits we offer. Recently, we were named a Best Place to Work for Diversity Inclusion by the Disability Equity Index for our efforts in creating an inclusive, accessible workplace.
Last year, our associates launched the Collective Abilities Network - an employee resource group (ERG) dedicated to uniting those with hidden and apparent disabilities, mental illness, neurodiversity, their caregivers and allies. The members and leadership team of this newly formed ERG have been essential in identifying ways that we can promote a more inclusive workplace for associates of all abilities. Learn more about the team’s goals below.
“In the past, I’ve struggled at work, and without the appropriate channels or resources it can take a toll on our mental health. Research suggests that we work an average of 90,000 hours over our lifetime - that’s approximately one-third of our lives. We want all associates to have a safe space to review resources or simply reach out and speak to someone and know that you aren’t alone in whatever you are dealing with, whether that is inside of work or outside.” Lauren B., Recruiting Program Specialist and Communications Lead for the Collective Abilities Network.
The team has already helped to create a more inclusive workspace by creating a safe space to discuss the challenges associated with disabilities, mental health, neurodiversity, and being a caregiver.
In addition, in July, they hosted their annual “De-Stress Fest”, a week of events designed to help our associates prioritize their well-being. One of the events the team held was their “Check out my Cribs” fundraiser. During the event, a representative from each of our six ERGs shared a tip for how to de-stress along with a charity that they support. Attendees were invited to pledge money to support one of these charities or any other charity that they would like. Our associates pledged a total of $50,000 to charity in just one hour. One of the attendees shared, "$50,000 raised for charity while having fun and learning how to better navigate the stressors of everyday life? An amazing event!" and we couldn't agree more.
Throughout October, the team will continue hosting many more events from discussions about mental health awareness and living with disabilities, to a short film festival that offers insight into the different facets of the lives of individuals with disabilities, to organized training sessions for associates - there is truly no shortage of ways for associates to get involved. In addition, associates are invited to donate to a charity dedicated to Breast Cancer Research and use Gartner’s charity match program, Gartner Gives, to amplify their impact.
We will continue to enhance our current offerings and identify new ways to support our associates, raise awareness of people with disabilities in the workplace, and recruit professionals of all abilities. Learn more about our Collective Abilities Network in the video below.