Editor’s note: This story originally appeared in penny hoarder.
Finding the right job is hard for anyone, and it’s even harder for neurodivergent people. But more and more businesses are hiring people with intellectual disabilities because they see the benefits of hiring people with different ideas.
Neurodivergence describes the various ways in which people process information and think. Neurodiversity includes people with ADHD, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, dementia and autism.
The Arc, an advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently conducted a survey of employers and found:
- 100% of respondents reported increased productivity after hiring
- 80% of respondents said inclusive recruitment gives them a competitive advantage in the market
- 98% of respondents reported high employee retention rates
it’s good for business
Rollin’ Oats is an independent grocery store in St. Petersburg, Florida that employs two people with intellectual disabilities.
“It’s good for the store. We welcome everyone in the community.
One employee has worked there for 10 years and another for 5 years. In addition to being on time and reliable, they are also anecdotal proof of employee retention research findings.
If employees with intellectual difficulties are well suited for a job, then as a group they will have low turnover rates, which of course saves employers time and money in rehiring and retraining.
“For anyone applying for a job, you’re taking a risk. Why not give them a chance,” Schwartz said.
one Report Consultancy firm Deloitte has shared findings from a study of businesses that employ people with intellectual disabilities.
“JPMorgan Chase estimates that employees in technology positions hired through its neurodiversity program are 90% to 140% more productive than others and work consistently and error-free,” the report states.
These 18 companies hire employees with intellectual disabilities
Whether you’re looking for a job, helping others, or want to spend your money on businesses that employ workers with intellectual disabilities, you should know about these companies.
The list is based on information from employer websites and organizations that educate businesses about hiring neurodivergent people. This includes arc, Disability Inclusion Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN), Ruh global influence and Deloitte.
1.AMC Theater
Neurodiverse employees work at many of the company’s 1,000 locations.
2.Advanced auto parts
The national retailer’s Differently Ability program hires and trains employees with disabilities at more than 10 distribution centers.
In 2019, the company partnered with The Arc to create a pilot program for people with intellectual disabilities at its Denver distribution center.
3. Baymont by Wyndham
The Arc has established itself as a “Hometown Host” by partnering with hotel chains. People with intellectual disabilities play an important role in ensuring guests feel welcome and food is served during breakfast service.
4. Best Buy
The consumer electronics retailer employs a diverse workforce in more than 1,000 stores across the United States. It has become a model for other employers to hire neurodiverse employees.
5. Caterpillar
During the post-pandemic worker shortage, the heavy equipment manufacturer found that the neurodivergent community provided a new source of productive workers.
6. Deloitte
In addition to its global focus on recruiting neurodiverse employees, the accounting and consulting firm also offers apprenticeship opportunities for neurodiverse people and other people with disabilities.
Its Neurodiversity@Deloitte program offers three-month apprenticeships with the potential to become full-time employment.
7. IBM
The computer and technology giant began efforts to hire people with disabilities in the 1940s, according to its website.
“Neurodiversity is important because if people don’t think differently… there won’t be new ideas,” test automation expert Dyllan Rafail said on the company’s website page dedicated to “diversity.”
8. JPMorgan Chase & Co.
According to a recent survey and analysis by Deloitte, executives at the financial giant say employees hired through its neurodiversity program for technical positions are 90% to 140% more productive than other employees.
9. Microsoft
The computer software and hardware company has a disability and accessibility team that supports many employees with disabilities.
10. The largest office
The retailer sets an example for other employers, such as Advance Auto, to create a supportive environment for employees with disabilities.
11.PDQ
The fast-food chicken restaurant encourages managers to hire employees from a variety of atypical backgrounds, including neurodivergent people.
It appears in a film called “Because of Sam” It tells the story of a much-loved Tampa employee with Down syndrome.
12. Public
The Florida-based grocer, which has 1,400 stores in the Southeast, hires people with learning differences as baggers and other positions.
13.SAP
The company, originally known as Systems Analyzer Development, is a leading producer of software for managing business processes. It hires neurodiverse people with technical talent.
14. Sodexo
Sodexo provides catering, facilities management and employee benefits management to 80 million consumers in 45 countries every day. Arc also helped the company.
15. Walgreens
People with intellectual disabilities work as cashiers, pharmacy technicians, and inventory workers.
16. Walmart
The retailer employs people with developmental disabilities as store greeters and other positions.
17.UPS
The company’s Focus on Abilities program fosters a workplace culture that supports and embraces UPS employees with intellectual disabilities and other disabilities.
18. Localization
Finally, go to your local hardware store, restaurant, dry cleaner, doggy daycare, car wash, or other small business and see if they are willing to offer opportunities to neurodiverse job seekers.
