As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it’s important to highlight the multifaceted nature of employability, particularly for individuals with disabilities. At Unified Work, we believe that employability is about more than just securing a job; it also includes the ability to thrive in the workplace. Success hinges on technical expertise paired with a person’s ability to engage effectively with others and navigate the job market.

Job-seeking skills as a foundational tool

Job-seeking skills are foundational for anyone pursuing employment. They include career exploration, effective job search techniques, resume development, best practices for application completion, and interview preparation. A comprehensive review of employment interventions by Wissel et al. (2022) found that over 50 of the 140 studies examined used job-seeking skills for improved results, underscoring their importance in the employment process. Unified Work offers resources and training to help people build these critical skills, empowering them to pursue their career goals with confidence.

The importance of soft skills

While job-seeking skills are foundational to fulfilling career goals, soft skills play an equally impactful role in employability. Soft skills are the interpersonal abilities that shape how a person interacts with others in a professional setting. A survey by Ju et al. (2012) revealed that employers frequently cite difficulties in social skills as a primary reason for not hiring candidates with disabilities, even when these candidates have the necessary technical skills. Key soft skills include:

  • Time management
  • Work ethic
  • Dependability
  • Punctuality
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Teamwork
  • Integrity

Wissel et al. (2022) also found that about half of employability interventions include tactics focused on developing essential soft skills. At Unified Work, we prioritize the cultivation of these talents, recognizing their impact on long-term career success.

Employability behavior domains

To better understand employability, essential workplace behaviors can be grouped into four key categories, as outlined by Carter and Wehby (2003):

  1. General Work Behaviors: Encourage professionalism across various positions, like arriving on time and demonstrating enthusiasm for the job.
  2. Work Performance Behaviors: Focus on productivity, including following directions and maintaining concentration amid distractions.
  3. Task-Related Social Behaviors: Involve interactions directly related to fulfilling job expectations, like seeking help when needed and accepting constructive feedback.
  4. Non-Task Related Social Behaviors: Include interactions unrelated to job tasks, like using appropriate humor and actively listening to others.

The path to increased employability

Employability is critical for individuals, especially people with disabilities, to secure and maintain meaningful employment opportunities. Skills that support both job-seeking (e.g., resume writing) and continued success in a role (e.g., communication) are essential to maintaining employability – and proactively developing these skills enhances behaviors that improve job performance and foster social integration in the workplace.

The impact of employability skills cannot be overstated. They help individuals achieve both task independence and social interaction, as highlighted by Gilson et al. (2022). Employability training, like what’s offered by Unified Work, can be a valuable intervention by equipping people with the skills they need to secure a fulfilling job.

Building more inclusive future workforces

As we reflect on the importance of employability in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we acknowledge that job-seeking skills, soft skills, and specific behavioral strengths are all necessary for success in the workplace. At Unified Work, we are dedicated to preparing people with disabilities for a bright and inclusive future in the workforce by focusing on these vital areas.

For more information about how Unified Work supports the development of essential employability skills, visit unifiedwork.com to explore our offerings. Together, we can create pathways to meaningful employment for all.

Research references:

  • Wissel, H., et al. (2022). Employment interventions review.
  • Ju, J., et al. (2012). Employer surveys on disability and social skills.
  • Carter, E.W., and Wehby, J. H. (2003). Employability behaviors in the workplace.
  • Gilson, S.F., et al. (2022). Enhancing job performance through soft skills.