Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Penny Hoarder.
Finding the right job is difficult for anyone and can be even more difficult for someone who is neurodivergent. But the number of businesses hiring people with intellectual disabilities is increasing because they see the benefits of hiring those who think differently.
Neurodivergence describes the different ways in which people process information and think. Neurodiversity includes people with ADHD, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, dementia and autism.
The Arc, an advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, conducted a recent survey of employers and found:
- 100% reported increased productivity after employment
- 80% said inclusive employment made them more competitive in their markets
- 98% reported high employee retention
Good for Business
Rollin’ Oats, an independent grocery store in St. Petersburg, Florida, employs two people with intellectual disabilities.
“It’s good in the store. We welcome all people into our community,” said Larry Schwartz, owner of the St. Petersburg and one in Tampa.
One employee has worked there for 10 years and the other for five years. As well as being punctual and reliable, they are a rare testament to what employee retention studies show.
If employees with mental health problems are qualified for the job, as a group they have a lower turnover rate, which, of course, saves employers time and money in rehiring and retraining.
“You are putting yourself at risk for anyone who has applied for a job. Why not give them a chance,” said Schwartz.
A report by consulting firm Deloitte shared findings from a survey of businesses that employ people with intellectual disabilities.
“JPMorgan Chase & Co. estimates that employees hired into technical roles through its neurodiversity program are 90% to 140% more productive than others and have consistent, error-free work,” the report said.
These 18 businesses employ workers with intellectual disabilities
Whether you are looking for a job, helping someone or want to spend your money on businesses that hire people with intellectual disabilities, you should get to know these companies.
This list is based on information from employers’ websites and organizations that educate businesses about hiring neurodivergent people. These include The Arc, Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN), Ruh Global IMPACT and Deloitte.
1. AMC Theaters
Neurodiverse employees work with approvals in more than 1,000 company locations.
2. Auto Advance Parts
The national Different Ability Program hires and trains employees with disabilities in more than 10 distribution centers.
Worked with The Arc to develop a screening program for people with intellectual disabilities at its Denver distribution center in 2019.
3. Baymont by Wyndham
The Arc has partnered with a hotel chain to launch its Hometown Host. People with intellectual disabilities participate and make sure guests feel welcome and food is available during the morning service.
4. Best Buy
The consumer electronics retailer employs a diverse workforce in its more than 1,000 US stores. It has served as a model for other employers who employ a diverse workforce.
5. The worm
During a labor shortage following a pandemic, a heavy equipment manufacturer discovered that a neurodivergent community provided a new source of productive workers.
6. Deloitte
In line with its global focus on hiring a diverse workforce, the accounting and consulting firm provides job training for people with neurodivergent and other disabilities.
Its Neurodiversity@Deloitte program offers a three-month internship with potential for full-time employment.
7. IBM
The computer and technology giant began making efforts to hire people with disabilities in the 1940s, according to its website.
“Neurodiverstiy is important because if there weren’t different ways people think … new ideas wouldn’t be created,” says automation expert Dylan Rafail on the company’s website page devoted to “diversity.”
8. JPMorgan Chase & Co
According to recent research and analysis by Deloitte, executives at a major financial services company say employees hired for technical roles through its neurodiversity program are 90% to 140% more productive than others.
9. Microsoft
The computer software and hardware company has a Disability and Access team that supports a wide range of employees with disabilities.
10. Office Max
The dealership has served as a model for other employers, such as Advance Auto, by creating a supportive environment for employees with disabilities.
11. PDQ
A fast-casual chicken restaurant encourages management to hire employees with diverse backgrounds, including neurodivergent individuals.
It was featured in a documentary called “Because of Sam,” which shares the story of Tampa’s most famous employee with Down syndrome.
12. Publix
A Florida-based grocer with 1,400 stores across the Southeast has hired people with learning disabilities as pickers and in other positions.
13. SAP
The company, originally called System Analysis Program Development, is a leading manufacturer of business process management software. It employs a diverse range of technical talent.
14. Sodexo
Sodexo provides food, facilities management and employee benefits management to 80 million consumers every day in 45 countries. Arc also helped the company.
15. Walgreens
Mentally different people work in cashier, pharmacy technician and stockist roles.
16. Walmart
The retailer employs people with developmental disabilities as store greeters and other positions.
17. UPS
The company’s Focus on Ability program promotes a workplace culture that supports and welcomes “UPS” with intellectual and other disabilities.
18. Go to the place
Finally, stop by your local hardware store, restaurant, dry cleaner, dog kennel, car wash or other small business to see if they are open to giving an emotionally diverse job applicant a chance.
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