Zurich and nine other large organisations, including PwC, Spotify, PepsiCo and Sky, have signed up to The Valuable 500, a global initiative that encourages disability inclusion.

The initiative is a global CEO community dedicated to transforming business systems across the whole supply chain for the benefit of those with a disability.

“Joining The Valuable 500 will ensure that inclusion of all employees is on the agenda of senior leadership,” Zurich Group CEO Mario Greco said. “Our workforce should reflect the communities in which we operate and which we serve, and this means welcoming diversity of all kinds.”

15% of the global population have disabilities, affecting half of all families, and the campaign says businesses cannot afford to exclude such a “significant pool of talent, diversity of thought and customers”.

Zurich plans to set up a global Employee Resource Group (ERG) for wellbeing, and to focus on removing barriers and stigmas. The insurer says the aim is to foster a company culture that attracts diverse talent and to create awareness of disability-inclusive communication.

The Valuable 500 says disability inclusion still doesn’t have its “deserved share of voice” within the diversity agenda and is “often a forgotten aspect in this conversation, particularly when it comes to business leadership”.

The campaign is calling for a shift in mentality and for business and society to make the next decade the “decade of disruption when it comes to disability inclusion”.

“If the business community pulls together and stands united in ensuring disability inclusion is a central part of their leadership agenda, we can truly make a difference globally across the next decade,” Valuable 500 Founder Caroline Casey said.