46 firms lauded for hiring disabled workers
They spent extra effort on training, placement
By Leslie Kay Lim
Straits Times 24 March 2012
TWO questions pop up when employers consider hiring disabled workers - will they be up to the task and can they get along with co-workers?
But companies which have hired such staff said these challenges can be overcome by investing in more training and making sure tasks and responsibilities are a fit for them.
Yesterday, 46 companies were recognised for their efforts and commitment in hiring people with disabilities at the second Enabling Employers Awards held at Marina Bay Sands.
The event, organised by the Enabling Employers Network, was attended by President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob.
One recipient of the Leaders Award - Fong Shen Mould and Precision Engineering - started hiring people with disabilities five years ago. Now, such workers comprise around 15 per cent of its staff of 70.
Its managing director Leow Pee Lip said many employers hesitate to hire such workers because they wonder if they can perform adequately.
Fong Shen's approach is to observe the disabled worker at the workplace in the first two weeks, and then rework the job scope accordingly.
'In today's economy, everyone wants to be best at the job tomorrow,' he noted, highlighting the fact that spending a little more time on training and placement makes a significant difference.
Another company, Project Dignity, runs a hawker training school for the disabled and has placed more than 50 people in the last 1-1/2 years.
Taking advantage of their talent is key, said executive director Koh Seng Choon, who cited an example of a blind employee's excellent memory in holding down a job as a hawker cashier.
While tapping technology to boost productivity in the workplace helps, two award recipients - KFC and Han's - also noted that co-worker interaction and communication is important in fostering a conducive work environment.
Fast-food chain KFC, which has seen around 300 deaf employees pass through its doors over the last 10 years, makes sure its staff attend sign language classes.
'Clearly, we're all in this together,' said its chief executive officer Michael Gian.
Food and beverage operator Han's, which employs 46 hearing-impaired and intellectually disabled workers, worked with consultants and special education experts to help prepare the other staff members.
Its deputy general manager Gan Yee Chin said the performance results speak for themselves. 'These people don't weaken our profitability. You can see all our costs are down.'
llim@sph.com.sg
