How Salesforce is Supporting the Career Journeys of Employees with Disabilities

Globally, an estimated 1.3 billion people — or 1 in 6 people — have a disability, and as a result they are more likely to be underemployed or unemployed. This population’s employment rate is 44%, which is significantly lower than the 75% employment rate for those without disabilities. In the US, October is recognized as Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), and this year’s theme, “Access to Jobs for All,” underscores the importance of creating equal employment opportunities. 

At Salesforce, we recognize the challenges that individuals with disabilities have, breaking into the workforce and growing their careers. Our dedication to accessibility is rooted in the belief that every professional deserves access to the tools, resources, and support needed to succeed. 

Our commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace where all employees can thrive extends beyond this important month of awareness. As part of our ongoing efforts, these are some of the ways we’re supporting our employees with disabilities: 

Retain: Our Partnership with Inclusively

In May 2024, we launched Retain, a cutting-edge, AI-powered platform from Inclusively that helps employees find solutions to their workplace accessibility challenges. Retain allows employees to independently explore a range of success enablers — customizable tools and resources tailored to meet diverse work styles and preferences. “I’m excited about leveraging advancements like generative AI to enhance our ability to support and innovate for our colleagues in the disability community,” said Federica Terrenzio, Director of Salesforce’s Disabilities at Work. “By understanding that 76% of individuals with disabilities choose not to disclose their condition at work, we’ve developed programs like Retain, an AI-powered platform that streamlines resource identification and support in full confidentiality.” 

What makes Retain special is its interactive chatbot, designed to help employees easily navigate accessibility needs without waiting for formal consultations. By giving employees more autonomy and flexibility in finding the right tools, Retain encourages self-advocacy while making the process of securing workplace accommodations smoother and more accessible.

The Accessibility Consultation Program: Personalized Guidance for Tailored Solutions

While Retain offers a self-service approach, we recognize that some employees may prefer more personalized support. That's where the Accessibility Consultation Program comes in. Through our new partnership with the UK-based accessibility leader, Microlink, employees are paired with one-on-one accessibility consultants who help identify tailored resources, benefits, and workplace adjustments.

This program offers a more hands-on experience for those who may be navigating complex needs or who simply prefer to work closely with an expert to find solutions. By offering these two distinct paths — Retain for independent exploration and the Accessibility Consultation Program for guided support—we are ensuring that our employees have multiple ways to access the help they need. “We’re committed to providing tailored solutions that remove barriers and unlock productivity for all employees,” said Terrenzio.

The Workforce Navigators Program: Building a Career Pathway for People with Disabilities

Our commitment to accessibility doesn’t stop at internal support. Through the Workforce Navigators Program, we’re actively creating opportunities for people with disabilities to build successful careers within the Salesforce ecosystem. This program trains professionals with disabilities in in-demand Salesforce skills and certifications, providing them with the tools to thrive in a competitive job market.

Workforce Navigators also offers a supplemental curriculum specifically designed for users of assistive technology, ensuring that everyone has the resources they need to fully participate. The program supports accommodation requests and provides job seeker support, helping Trailblazers with disabilities take the next step in their career journeys.

The heart of Workforce Navigators lies in its mentorship program, which fosters one-on-one guidance for professionals with disabilities. "Our mentorship program is designed to be mutually beneficial," says Lucia Rios, Workforce Navigators Program Associate. "Mentees receive career advice and set goals, while mentors not only share their expertise but also gain new perspectives from their mentees."

Abilityforce: A Community for All Abilities

At Salesforce, we recognize that building an inclusive culture requires active engagement from everyone. That’s where Abilityforce — our Equality Group, which brings together employees with visible and invisible disabilities, those who care for people with disabilities, and allies — comes in. Abilityforce’s mission is to ensure that our physical and digital environments are accessible, inclusive, and designed for all.

“Having a disability can impact every aspect of your life. Studies indicate that almost 80% of disabilities are invisible, meaning the disability might not be apparent when you look at a person,” said Mike Raabe, Product and Pricing Operations Manager and Global President of Abilityforce. “We do a lot of work to create a sense of community for people to show up as their true selves and shed camouflaging behaviors that many with disabilities often use to engage in society.

Abilityforce leads initiatives that foster trust, belonging, and empathy, creating a supportive community where every employee can thrive. By advocating for accessibility and inclusion, this group plays a crucial role in shaping Salesforce’s culture and driving forward our accessibility and accommodation strategies.

Supporting Career Success for All

At Salesforce, we understand that everyone’s path to career success is different. That’s why our approach to accessibility is multifaceted and dynamic—offering employees flexibility and choice in how they engage with the support available to them. Whether it's through a community-focused program like Abilityforce, self-service tools like Retain, personalized guidance via the Accessibility Consultation Program, or career-building opportunities through Workforce Navigators, we are committed to empowering employees with disabilities to succeed at every stage of their journey.

“When each person belongs, the opportunities we all can accomplish together are limitless. We’ll develop better partnerships, become stronger allies, and create a future where everyone can succeed,” said Raabe. Our ultimate goal is to create a workplace that not only accommodates but celebrates diversity in all its forms, ensuring that everyone feels supported and empowered to thrive and reach their full potential.