What It’s Really Like to Be a Supportive Employer

Being a supportive employer isn’t about checking a box or meeting a requirement, it’s about people. It’s about choosing to lead with empathy, flexibility, and understanding. At TVW, we’ve seen time and again how employers who take that extra step to support individuals with disabilities end up gaining far more than they ever expected.

When you become a supportive employer, you don’t just fill a job - you help someone find a way to move forward in their goals.

It Starts with Mindset

Supportive employers know that inclusion begins with how we think, not just what we do. They approach hiring and management with curiosity instead of assumption. Rather than asking, “Can this person do the job?”, they ask, “How can we set this person up for success?”

That mindset shift makes all the difference. Supportive employers:

• Recognize that each employee learns and communicates differently.

• Focus on effort and growth rather than perfection.

• See inclusion as an opportunity to strengthen their team, not a challenge to overcome.

This perspective transforms the workplace into a space where everyone can thrive - and it often inspires existing employees to lead with more patience and compassion, too.

The Everyday Moments That Matter

Being a supportive employer doesn’t always mean making big changes. Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that make the biggest impact:

• Allowing extra time for someone to learn a task.

• Checking in regularly to see how things are going.

• Offering positive feedback and celebrating progress.

• Being open to different communication styles or training methods.

These everyday moments show employees that they’re valued, respected, and understood. Over time, they create trust - and trust is what allows people to shine in their roles.

Working Together with Job Coaches

One of the unique and rewarding parts of being a supportive employer through TVW is the partnership with job coaches. Job coaches play a vital role in ensuring both the employee and the employer have the support they need to succeed.

They help with onboarding, training, and communication - bridging any gaps that might exist and providing tools to make the process smoother for everyone involved. They check in, adjust plans as needed, and celebrate wins alongside the team.

Many employers share that working with a job coach changes how they view leadership. It’s not just about giving direction, it’s about collaboration, adaptability, and learning together.

The Rewards of Supportive Employment

Employers who open their doors to inclusive hiring often find that it transforms their workplace in ways they never expected. Team morale improves. Creativity flourishes. Employees become more connected and motivated.

As one employer recently shared,

“Supporting employees through TVW has changed how we see leadership. It’s about meeting people where they are, and celebrating where they can go.”

Inclusion doesn’t just benefit the individual employee, it strengthens the entire team and helps businesses grow in empathy, resilience, and reputation.

How to Get Started

Becoming a supportive employer doesn’t require a perfect plan - it just requires a willingness to try.

• Start small: Partner with TVW to learn about inclusive hiring and identify the right fit for your team.

• Be open: Embrace flexibility and recognize that learning goes both ways.

• Celebrate progress: Acknowledge the impact inclusion has on your people and your culture.

Supportive employment isn’t about doing everything right the first time, it’s about committing to growth, one step at a time.