How to become an inclusive employer
SUSTAINABILITY SCHOOL #1
Wednesday, May 26, 2021, we organized the first edition of the Sustainability School, attended by over 40 members and volunteers of the Coalition for a Sustainable Romania, as well as employees of organizations collaborating at the Sustainability Embassy.
The discussion, led by Estera Anghelescu, Recruiting and Employer Branding Director at Kaufland Romania, focused on the theme: "How to Become an Inclusive Employer." Kaufland Romania successfully integrated over 330 individuals with disabilities and created the A.C.C.E.S. program (Employment for Candidates with Special Requirements and Evolutions).
In Romania, approximately 770,000 adults with disabilities live today. While 250,000 are employable, only 43,000, or 17%, have jobs, according to the National Authority for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
According to Law No. 448/2006, any organization with more than 50 active employees must employ individuals with disabilities in a proportion of at least 4% of the total workforce. However, despite the fiscal incentives offered, the employment rate remains low, and many organizations simply pay the state tax. Unfortunately, people with disabilities remain unseen, unheard, and undervalued, despite their enormous potential.
In October 2019, Kaufland, one of Romania’s largest employers, launched the A.C.C.E.S. program (Employment for Candidates with Special Requirements and Evolutions) as part of the company’s commitment to community involvement. To date, 500 individuals with disabilities have been integrated into the team. This achievement required adapting numerous internal processes, opening dedicated recruitment channels, and tailoring workspaces to meet specific needs through accessibility investments.
The pilot project proved to be a real success, prompting the company to aim for the employment of over 500 individuals with disabilities by the end of 2021 and the program's expansion across all departments and cities where the company operates stores or logistics centers. Furthermore, the program will be shared as a best-practice model within Schwarz Group, of which Kaufland is a part.
By attending this webinar, you will learn about:
The ACCES Program (Hiring Candidates with Special Requirements): Kaufland Romania's A.C.C.E.S. initiative focuses on integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce, offering them equal opportunities for employment and financial independence. It provides tailored recruitment processes, adapted workspaces, and specialized training programs.
Inclusive Employment Strategies: The program’s core strategies include customized interview guides, adaptive workspaces (e.g., accessible cash registers for employees in wheelchairs), and internal workshops aimed at educating staff about inclusivity and diversity.
Positive Social Impact: Kaufland’s efforts in creating inclusive work environments lead to broader societal changes, reducing discrimination against people with disabilities and improving social perceptions through visibility and media communication campaigns.
Successful Outcomes and Expansion: Since its launch, the ACCES program has successfully integrated hundreds of employees with disabilities. Future goals include expanding the initiative across all levels of the company and internationally, while continuing to innovate through projects like the Accessibility Hackathon.
SustainAbility School este un program de educație dedicat exclusiv angajaților din organizațiile membre ale Ambasadei Sustenabilității în România prin programul Coaliția România Sustenabilă.