An inclusive employer is calling on the public to show more kindness and patience toward its staff members.

Lisa Beecroft, co-owner of Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies in Port Moody, says about 35 per cent of her employees identify as having a disability. She says in recent months, she has noticed an increase in her staff being mistreated by customers.

“I was so frustrated and furious that was how they were being treated in our space,” she said.

“I was not sure how to best address it, and I wanted to address it in a way that would empower them.”

Beecroft says some of her employees have disabilities that aren’t always visible, and she is asking customers to have more understanding and patience when visiting her bakery.

She felt it was important to get the word out to the community and shed light on the issue, so she posted a message on social media sharing the hostility she has seen directed at her staff.

Beecroft says the support from the community has been overwhelming, with many customers reaching out to support her.

“It made me so sad because I think we are beyond that as a society,” one of the bakery’s customers said. “We need to be kind to each other. Life isn’t easy for anybody anymore.”

“Be patient and be nice,” another customer said. “We don’t know what people are going through.”

Marcie Hawranik, founder and president of Canadian Equality Consulting, says businesses can do a lot to protect employees with disabilities, including posting clear signs prohibiting harassment and discrimination, giving colleagues bystander training, and implementing wellness policies if an incident occurs.

“It’s really important for that workplace to ensure that their people are set up for success,” she said.