Putting the "I" in ESG: ILO’s Guide for businesses and investors
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a new Guide, Putting the "I" in ESG: Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities as a Strategic Advantage of Sustainability Practices for Corporates and Investors. This publication provides a structured approach for integrating disability inclusion within Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, offering valuable insights for businesses, investors, and policymakers.
Why this Guide matters
While ESG principles are widely utilised by companies and have become central to corporate sustainability, disability inclusion remains an often overlooked aspect of the "Social" pillar. The Guide argues that including persons with disabilities is not just a social responsibility, but also a strategic advantage that drives innovation, diversity, resilience, and profits in organisations.
The Guide is focused on several important topics, including:
Insights into how companies, investors, and rating agencies can incorporate disability inclusion into ESG.
A ten-point framework to implement the "I" within ESG, detailing the risks of inaction, the benefits of disability-inclusive policies, and measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Case studies and best practices from businesses already leading in disability inclusion.
Links to international frameworks such as the ILO Global Business and Disability Network’s Self-Assessment Tool and the EU’s sustainability reporting standards.
Source: International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024. Putting the I in ESG: Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities as a Strategic Advantage of Sustainability Practices for Corporates and Investors. Available at: ILO website
How can EASPD members use this Guide?
For EASPD members, this Guide presents an opportunity to engage with businesses and investors in meaningful discussions on disability inclusion, providing them with evidence, numerical data and guidelines for action. It also serves as a valuable tool to advocate for stronger policies and corporate commitments to accessibility and inclusion.
Service providers and disability organisations can utilise concrete arguments provided in the Guide to encourage companies and investors to take disability inclusion seriously. At the same time, members who support persons with disabilities in employment or social services can benchmark their own inclusion efforts against the Guide’s KPIs.
EASPD members can also use the framework in their advocacy efforts by pushing for stronger commitments from both public and private sector stakeholders, as the Guide can help inform policymakers on the economic and social benefits of inclusive employment and accessibility measures.
Moreover, as the Guide states: “to better understand the needs of the persons with disabilities, companies should engage with organizations of persons with disabilities and the broader disability community as well as industry associations, policymakers, and other stakeholders to understand how to include and support employees with disabilities. These partnerships can help companies identify and address gaps in their disability inclusion practices, even in the face of varying country-specific legislation.”
This publication is a powerful resource that aligns with UN CRPD and EU standards. It could be used in shaping disability-inclusive ESG policies and practices across Europe and beyond.