As a global professional services company, Deloitte LLP is well known and highly regarded for its diversity and inclusion programs. The company has led and participated in various research studies and reports that demonstrate the business case for hiring individuals with disabilities.
According to Kathy Earl, Senior Manager, Business Services and Facilities in Calgary, Alberta, a diverse and inclusive workforce has helped to set the company apart both internally and externally.
“A diverse workforce has a strong cultural impact. You engage your staff at a different level and from a recruitment standpoint it sets us apart,” says Earl.
The Benefits of Employing People with Intellectual Disabilities in the Open Labour Market report points out that an inclusive workforce has the capacity to help humanize workplace culture and contribute to productivity through improved employee connectedness, commitment and morale.
In Calgary, Deloitte recently hired Leanne, with the assistance of Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) a national initiative designed to increase the labour force participation of people with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Leanne joined the Deloitte team as a full-time catering assistant. She helps with meeting preparation and clean up, handles catering orders and replenishes meeting supplies.
“Leanne always works at 110% capacity,” says Earl, “ She’s a perfectionist and goes above and beyond what’s required – it’s been a huge advantage to have her as part of the team.”
Research shows that high performance organizations like Deloitte are 37% more likely to hire people with intellectual disabilities. According to Earl, Leanne’s work ethic motivates those around her.
“She pushes others to a higher standard. When she goes on holiday, it’s hard to maintain the same level of detail and degree of pride that she brings to the job,” says Earl.
Funded by the Government of Canada and active in 20 communities across the country, RWA is a national partnership of the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL), the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance (CASDA) and their member organizations.