The Heart of Our Business: Why Hiring the Disability Community Changes Everything

When you light one of our candles, you're doing more than filling your space with a beautiful scent. You're supporting something bigger: a movement toward inclusive employment that's changing lives and transforming workplaces across the country.

At The Grace Effect, we've built our business around a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves the opportunity to work, contribute, and thrive. That's why we partner with organizations that champion inclusive employment for the disability community. And honestly? It's one of the best decisions we've ever made.

Today, we want to pull back the curtain and share why hiring the disability community isn't just the right thing to do: it's a game-changer for businesses, employees, and customers alike.

More Than a Feel-Good Story: The Real Business Benefits

Let's start with something that might surprise you. Hiring people with disabilities isn't just about doing good: it's genuinely good for business.

According to a 2023 Accenture report, companies with strong disability inclusion achieve 1.6x more revenue, 2.6x more net income, and 2x more profit compared to their competitors. That's not a small bump. That's a significant competitive advantage.

Other research shows even more impressive numbers: businesses championing disability employment have seen 28% higher revenues, 200% higher net income, and 30% higher profit margins. And here's something that really stands out: for every dollar spent on reasonable accommodations, businesses typically gain $10 to $35 in benefits. That's an incredible return on investment.

So why aren't more businesses jumping on board? Often, it comes down to misconceptions and outdated thinking. The truth is, inclusive hiring practices are a win-win for everyone involved.

Loyalty, Reliability, and Dedication

One of the most beautiful things we've witnessed through out our journey is the incredible dedication of employees from the disability community. The statistics back up what we see every day.

Research shows that employees with disabilities:

1. Take fewer sick days than their peers
2. Have lower turnover rates, saving businesses significant recruiting and training costs
3. Stay on the job longer, building valuable institutional knowledge
4. Demonstrate exceptional punctuality and reliability

In fact, 80% of employers report that their employees with disabilities perform just as well as: or better than: any other employee. There's simply no job performance difference between these workers and their non-disabled colleagues.

When someone is given a genuine opportunity to contribute, they show up with their whole heart. That kind of loyalty and commitment is priceless in today's workforce.

Creating a Workplace That Actually Feels Good

Here's something we don't talk about enough: the ripple effect of inclusive hiring on workplace culture.

When businesses welcome employees with disabilities, something shifts. The entire team becomes more accepting, more compassionate, and more collaborative. Studies show that organizations with inclusive practices report increased employee morale, higher job satisfaction, and stronger commitment across the board: not just among employees with disabilities, but throughout the entire organization.

Employees with disabilities often motivate their coworkers, leading to increased productivity and a more positive work environment. They bring fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving skills, and a determination that inspires everyone around them.

Think about it: people who have navigated a world not always designed for them have developed incredible adaptability and resourcefulness. These are exactly the skills businesses need in today's fast-changing landscape.

Your Customers Notice: and They Care

Here's something that really matters to us at The Grace Effect: your customers are paying attention to how you run your business.

The disability community represents significant economic power in America: 56.7 million people with disabilities spend approximately $220 billion annually in discretionary spending. But it goes beyond that.

92% of consumers view businesses that hire people with disabilities more favorably. Even more telling, 87% of consumers say they prefer to do business with these companies. When you support inclusive employment, you're not just doing something good: you're building genuine brand loyalty with customers who share your values.

Every time someone chooses one of our vanilla patchouli candles or picks up a peppermint and eucalyptus candle for their home, they're casting a vote for the kind of world they want to live in. And that connection between product and purpose? It's powerful.

Tapping Into an Overlooked Talent Pool

With approximately 22 million working-age Americans living with a disability, there's an enormous talent pool that many businesses simply overlook. These are skilled, capable individuals who are ready to work and eager to contribute.

People with disabilities often bring unique perspectives and experiences that help organizations fill skill gaps and solve problems in creative ways. They've had to think outside the box their entire lives: that kind of innovative thinking is invaluable.

 

Plus, there are real financial incentives available to businesses. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit can provide up to $9,600 per employee, and there are additional credits and deductions available for accessibility improvements. State vocational rehabilitation agencies may even offer wage reimbursement for on-the-job training programs.

Rest assured, the resources are there to support businesses that want to do the right thing.

How We Live This Mission at The Grace Effect

So how does all of this connect to what we do? It's woven into everything.

Our hand-poured candles: from our cozy apple maple bourbon to our refreshing fresh lemon scent: are crafted with care by dedicated teams that include members of the disability community. Every cotton wick trimmed, every jar filled with 100% vegetable wax, every label carefully applied represents meaningful work and genuine opportunity.

When you browse our candle collection, you're looking at more than beautiful products. You're seeing the result of partnerships with organizations that believe in inclusive employment. You're supporting a business model that proves you can be successful AND make a positive impact.

We partner with businesses and organizations that share our vision: companies that understand the value of creating opportunities for everyone. You can learn more about these incredible brand partners who are doing this work alongside us.

What You Can Do

Whether you're a business owner considering more inclusive hiring practices, or a consumer who wants to vote with your dollars, you have the power to make a difference.

For business owners:

1. Challenge your assumptions about what employees with disabilities can contribute
2. Connect with local vocational rehabilitation agencies for support and resources
3. Look at your workplace culture and ask if it truly welcomes everyone
4. Start small: one inclusive hire can transform your entire team

For consumers:

1. Seek out businesses that prioritize inclusive employment
2. Share your support on social media and with friends
3. Ask companies about their hiring practices

Every choice matters. Every purchase tells a story. Every opportunity given creates ripples that extend far beyond what we can see.

The Grace Effect in Action

At the end of the day, this is what "The Grace Effect" really means to us. It's the idea that grace: kindness, opportunity, compassion: has a ripple effect. When you extend grace to someone through meaningful employment, it changes them. It changes their families. It changes their communities. And honestly? It changes you, too.

We're so grateful to be part of this movement, and we're even more grateful that you're here with us. Whether you're lighting one of our starry night fig and moss candles after a long day or gifting a Michigan combo pack to someone you love, know that you're part of something bigger.

Thank you for believing that everyone deserves a chance to shine. Thank you for supporting businesses that put people first. And thank you for being part of The Grace Effect.

Have questions about our mission or want to learn more about how we work with inclusive employers? We'd love to hear from you. Visit our about page or reach out anytime( we're always here to help.)