“It was almost twenty years ago that I had a shortage of employees. During a business meeting, I heard about employing people with disabilities, and I decided to open my recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. I have successfully employed people with disabilities ever since.”
“I would like to tell you the stories of Selina and Anton, who both now work for us. I was looking for new staff again. I needed more staff because the number of customers has been increasing incredibly ever since we were able to reopen after the pandemic. We have various roles in our restaurant and I could use more people in any of them. I sent my job advertisements to a service provider with whom I already have a long-term relationship. They recommended Selina and Anton. I interviewed both of them and tried to figure out which department would suit them best according to their skills and capabilities. Selina was assigned to the drive-in, and Anton was hired as a janitor. They both agreed to their new positions and we started a training period to ascertain whether our decisions were the right ones. After a couple of days, it was clear that it was the right decision: both performed well, so I decided to hire Selina for the drive-in and Anton as a janitor working around our restaurant.”
“At first, they were both supported by a job coach. Very soon afterwards, however, they no longer needed any assistance. Selina now works independently, putting in 30–35 hours per week. She is just like any other regular employee; she doesn’t stand out. She takes orders, operates the till, handles complaints and prepares balloons. From time to time, she also works at the front desk. Selina is a very open and friendly person who fulfils her tasks 100%. She is completely independent.
Anton now works full time as a janitor and provides support in the kitchen. His tasks include receiving and checking deliveries, keeping the car park and outdoor area clean, mowing the lawn and ensuring that the kitchen is always restocked. Sometimes he also helps to fry the chicken nuggets. He is very enthusiastic — sometimes too much so! He once accidentally mowed the freshly planted tulips in his enthusiasm!”
“When Anton and Selina started, and when other employees with disabilities start, we prepare the team by explaining which tasks the new employee is allowed to do. I must say, everyone in the team was happy when Anton started as a janitor. For the team, this meant that Anton took over tasks such as cleaning and gardening.”
“I regularly organise breaks where we can have coffee together. Then people talk to me and I learn about their ideas and concerns. This helps them to get to know each other better. My philosophy is to come together and share. We also work with a mentor, someone all employees trust. Here, everyone can express their wishes, needs, and problems in private if they wish.”
“We need to organise daily support for Anton. He has one contact person: Fatma, the restaurant manager. Anton talks to Fatma every day. He tells her what he has done well during the day and complains when employees do not keep the outside tidy by throwing away cigarette stumps and polluting his workplace. He needs daily praise and recognition; it makes him feel secure. He often talks about his private life, his travels and his parents, and tells her everything that’s going on in his life. He needs this daily support to function well, and we can provide it.”
“All the other staff also support him when needed, for instance when he is tired. His colleagues always joke with him, which he really enjoys. This makes him feel like he is really part of a team. However, he does have a problem with colleagues who throw their cigarette ends on the ground outside. He thinks they should keep it clean.”
“In those rare moments when we need support, we can always count on our service provider, who was involved in the recruitment and selection of Selina, Anton and our other employees with disabilities. They also attend meetings from time to time, when we discuss whether extra support is needed. Everything mostly runs smoothly and no external support is needed.”
“Anton has just been honoured for working in my restaurant for five years. Selina is almost there. I am happy that they have stayed with us for such a long time, that they function well, and that they are with us. Ever since we started employing people with disabilities, my employees have been more cordial towards each other and more tolerant of each other’s differences. The company culture is embraced by everyone, especially the managers. Coming into contact with all these different people, including those with disabilities, creates a special something with our guests and improves the atmosphere for everyone. Our disabled employees also receive gifts from guests from time to time, such as small candles, stuffed toys and chocolates.”
“I would certainly hire people with disabilities again. The working atmosphere improved, and they always add value to the team. I believe that every motivated person should be given the chance to work and grow, regardless of their education or disabilities, as long as they are willing to work and learn, and are clean and polite. If one of my employees wants to develop, there are always additional training courses available to help them progress in their career.”
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