In order to retain and advance workers with disabilities, 54 percent of human resources professionals say employers should implement a disability-focused employee network, such as an employee resource group or affinity group, according to a joint survey by the Society for Human Resource Management and the Cornell University ILR School Employment and Disability Institute.

These 54 percent of respondents say the practice of creating a disability-focused employee network is very effective, while 20 percent of respondents say it's somewhat effective. Another 49 percent of respondents say offering a return-to-work or disability management program for employees who suffered a work-related illness, injury or disabling condition is very effective, and 36 percent of respondents say it is somewhat effective.

When it comes to encouraging flexible work arrangements for all employees, approximately 47 percent of respondents say it is very effective. Thirty-seven percent of respondents say those arrangements are somewhat effective.