ATLANTA (July 16, 2024) – Sparq has been named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion by Disability:IN, a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. To receive this distinction, Sparq was among the high-scoring companies on Disability:IN’s Disability Equality Index. This index is the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for companies to measure disability workplace inclusion inside their organization and to assess performance across industry sectors.
The 2024 Disability Equality Index measured: Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices (Benefits, Recruitment, Employment, Education, Retention & Advancement, Accommodations), Community Engagement, Supplier Diversity and Responsible Procurement (Non-Weighted).
Now in its 10th year, the Disability Equality Index exists to help businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment/underemployment of people with disabilities, while also helping companies create long term value for employees and shareholders and mitigate risk from new legislative requirements.
“We believe that our colleagues’ diverse perspectives drive innovation and create a stronger, more versatile organization,” said Robin Stenzel, Chief People Officer at Sparq. “That’s why we’re so thrilled to receive this honor from Disability:IN, as it reflects our commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.”
“On the 10th anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we’re extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress towards disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today’s global market. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN.
About the Disability Equality Index®
The Disability Equality Index has become the leading independent, third-party resource for the annual benchmarking of corporate disability inclusion policies and programs, and is now trusted by more than 70% of the United States Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500. Such companies must increasingly consider how emerging global reporting directives and stakeholder expectations surrounding social and corporate governance factors impact their operational, cultural, reputational and financial performance.
The Disability Equality Index is an objective, reflective, forward-thinking, and confidential disability rating tool designed to assist business in advancing inclusion practices. It is a comprehensive benchmark that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions across five scored categories: Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices, Community Engagement, and Supplier Diversity. Participating companies receive a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those scoring 80 or higher earning the distinction of “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” for the benchmark year.
Findings from a two-year Global Disability Equality Index pilot informed the launch of a scored benchmark that opened in 2024 to seven new countries in addition to the United States. These include: Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. Now in its 10th year, the Disability Equality Index has grown nearly 7x since 2015, expanding from 80 companies in its first year to 542 in 2024. Collectively, the 2024 edition received 753 submissions spanning the eight benchmarked countries.
About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power for people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 60+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: www.aapd.com.
About Disability:IN®
Disability:IN is a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. More than 500 corporations partner with Disability:IN to create long-term business and social impact through the world’s most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking and reporting tool, the Disability Equality Index; best-in-class conferences and programs; expert counsel and engagement; and public policy leadership. Join us at disabilityin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN.
About Sparq
Sparq is the leading provider of outsourced digital engineering to develop great digital products and experiences, purpose-built for the Cloud and powered by data and AI. With an emphasis on high-quality results, speed, flexibility and integrity, Sparq’s unique blended onshore/nearshore delivery model maximizes cost effectiveness, clear communication and the ability to quickly scale. The company offers world-class solutions to technology-driven and Fortune 1000 clients in various industries, including Logistics and Transportation, Healthcare, Financial Services, and Insurance. For more information, please visit www.teamsparq.com.
Media Contact
Tyler Pearson
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tyler@high-iron.com
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