BLN Members' Best Practices

Ideas, suggestions and examples from Minnesota BLN employers about recruiting and employing qualified individuals with disabilities.

 

3M

3M Corporate Commitment and Mentoring
Inspiration and Coaching Empower 3M Employees with Disabilities

3M is committed to promoting an inclusive work environment that strives to mirror the diversity of our marketplace. There is an understanding at all levels in the company that 3M values employees for their individual contributions and appreciates the ways that employees differ from one another.

This environment is supported by 3M’s Policies on Diversity in the Workplace, The Human Resource Advisory Committee on Diversity, 3M Affirmative Action Statement Concerning Individuals with Disabilities and the 3M Disability Advisory Committee.

The success of 3M over the years is due, in large part, to the dedication, skill and effort of our employees – all over the world. Our culture has always emphasized integrity and fairness alongside innovation and excellence. We will continue to place importance on the development of the people who help create the company’s success.

3M has received recognition and numerous awards stemming from our support for employees with disabilities and for going “above and beyond in enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.” But more than anything, the greatest benefits to all are the ongoing relationships, support and productivity that results from people supporting each other in the work environment.

The 3M experience is best told by example.

A Story of Best Practice

Three 3M employees with developmental disabilities learned several years ago that their department's services were being outsourced. Instead of transferring to the outside vendor, they decided to find new jobs within 3M. They have found personal and professional satisfaction in their new jobs, and their supervisor and the company are finding the experience very rewarding, too.

The three men now work for Bill Junkman, auditorium administrator for 3M’s Media Resources and Technology unit, who had never before worked with employees with developmental disabilities. Among their tasks are setting up conference rooms and providing related services for about 450 meetings, banquets and vendor displays at 3M Center each year, for thousands of employees and guests.

The success of the employees and the department are due in part to Junkman's inspiration and coaching. He set up a Coach’s Corner where he mentors the employees, for example, with computer training videos, stopping and starting as needed while they learn skills required for their jobs. He has also created a Wall of Motivation with uplifting “can do” messages for employees. In addition, he convinced the 3M Foundation to sponsor a video produced by the Minnesota Association of People in Supported Employment that features the 3M story. The video was created as an example for other companies on what can be accomplished.

All three men have adjusted very well to the transition and are thriving, according to Junkman. "They have so much potential and they're so eager to learn," he said, adding that one employee was awarded a certificate for outstanding accomplishment and hard work by East Suburban Resources Inc., the job counseling agency that works with him. That organization also recognized 3M with an award for its leadership and commitment in supporting diversity in the workplace by employing people with developmental disabilities.

Junkman’s efforts recently earned another award for 3M -- Arc Minnesota’s Employer of the Year award. Arc provides advocacy and support for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

The award honors employers who promote or support community-based employment. The awards committee was very impressed with the working relationship at 3M and the type of employment the company offered the three men. "The workers at 3M truly have jobs with dignity," Mike Gude, Arc Minnesota, said.

ABOUT 3M - A Century of Innovation

Since 1902, 3M's success has come from developing ingenious and practical solutions to meet customers' needs. 3M is a $17 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, health care, safety and other markets. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries.

3M's scientists and engineers have created more than 30 technology platforms up to now. These technologies are the foundation for more than 50,000 products designed to make people's lives easier and better. Among these are Scotch® Magic™ Tape and Post-it® Notes and Flags found in homes and offices everywhere. Other 3M products become essential components of customer products like computers and automobiles. Still other 3M products, like pharmaceuticals and stethoscopes, reflective materials used in road signs, and optical films for electronic displays are standards in their industry.

 

 

Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines recognizes diversity as a significant business imperative and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive corporate environment that allows all kinds of people to reach their full potential in pursuit of corporate objectives.

Some of Northwest Airlines' best disability employment practices:

• Training managers-of-people about disability-related policies and procedures and about setting the tone for a positive work environment.
• Linking core competencies, such as diversity inclusion, to management goals and performance.
• Implementing a workplace accommodation program, which includes established policy and procedures and a staff dedicated to conducting individual accommodation assessments.
• Sponsoring an employee-based disability focus group that meets regularly to provide input to the company about customer service and employment issues related to individuals with disabilities.
• Participating in recruitment events, such as disability career fairs.
• Participating in community-based, disability-related business advisory councils and boards.

Some examples of best-practice partnerships with community organizations:

Partnering with a community provider of employment retention services to provide job-coaching services when reasonable and appropriate for employees with physical, mental and/or cognitive limitations to develop new strategies that will enable them to successfully performing essential job functions.

 

About Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines (NWA) is one of the world's largest airlines and is engaged principally in the commercial transportation of passengers and cargo serving more than 750 cities in 120 countries on the continents of North America, Asia and Europe.

The vision of Northwest Airlines is to build together the first choice airline and global alliance network with the best people each committed to exceeding our customers' expectations every day.

Northwest Airlines is committed to improving the communities and lives of the people we serve around the world. That's why each quarter the Northwest AirCares works with a different non-profit organization in a public awareness and onboard fund-raising campaign.

For more information about Northwest Airlines and about our services, travel tips, deals and promotions, please see our website, www.nwa.com.