How people with disabilities work in Ukraine: the experience of Watsons
As we have already said, according to Ukrainian law, if the company employs more than 25 people, then 4% of employees must be persons with disabilities. In that case, if companies do not comply with this rule, they must pay fines.
But there are still problems with the employment of people with disabilities in the country. Experts note that there are only a few people who are not fictitiously employed. Very often they are paid only 50% of salary or simply have seniority.
Fortunately, there are positive examples in Ukraine. That is why we have launched a series of materials on how large Ukrainian companies employ people with disabilities and we talk about it in detail. Now we will talk about how people with disabilities are employed by Watsons Ukraine. Currently, there are 140 (about 4.5%) employees with disabilities of different ages.
Not all people with disabilities want to work
The company told us that their HR department works in cooperation with organizations that provide assistance to people with disabilities, including - engaged in their employment, select jobs that best suit their abilities and desires.
"Unfortunately, not many people with disabilities want to work. Of course, it is also important that the candidates themselves believe in their own strength, try themselves, show their own initiative, " - says Natalia Bazko, Deputy Head of the Department of Human Resources for Remuneration.
Watsons notes that projects to employ people with disabilities are being implemented not only in Kyiv but also in the regions. As the company’s main activity is retail, people with disabilities are mostly trusted with cash registers, display of goods, cleaning.
"Also, the office professions of courier, computer operator, clerk are in demand. The company also has qualified employees with one or another disability group who hold senior positions. ”- Natalia Bazko explains and adds that they employ people with endocrine, neurological, cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, with hearing impairment.
The company says that people with disabilities are several times more involved in the work process, because the opportunity to earn is important for anyone, but in the case of people with disabilities, it is also a way of rehabilitation.
"People with disabilities are less likely to be hospitalized and less likely to be late for work, resulting in low turnover," Watsons said.
Barriers to employment for people with disabilities exist in any society
Ukrainians are becoming more tolerant and prejudiced against people with disabilities. Also, the company says that in most cases, the external signs of the disease in their employees with disabilities are not detected.
" We are trying to create a favorable and comfortable atmosphere, to provide everyone with equal conditions for work and development. Clients’ reactions to employees, for example, with hearing problems may be different. Therefore, to ensure convenient interaction between employees and customers, we, in some cases, used special information boards located directly at the box office crossed out "ear" , - comments on the situation Natalia Bazko.
As we have already mentioned, there are many problems with the employment of people with disabilities in Ukraine. Many employers try to simply fictitiously employ people with disabilities to cover the set interest rate. Watsons notes that barriers to employment for people with disabilities exist in any society and on many levels: physical, psychological, social.
"Today, Watsons Ukraine, part of the AS Watson Group - the world’s largest retail chain for beauty and health products, is trying to apply best practices and procedures in all areas of management, create all necessary conditions to ensure such people a full life and hard work. We really really want people with special needs to be able to exercise their right to decent employment, "Natalia Bazko concluded.
Author Anastasia Ishchenko
Photo Watsons
Read also: How people with disabilities work in Ukraine: Auchan tells about his experience
But there are still problems with the employment of people with disabilities in the country. Experts note that there are only a few people who are not fictitiously employed. Very often they are paid only 50% of salary or simply have seniority.
Fortunately, there are positive examples in Ukraine. That is why we have launched a series of materials on how large Ukrainian companies employ people with disabilities and we talk about it in detail. Now we will talk about how people with disabilities are employed by Watsons Ukraine. Currently, there are 140 (about 4.5%) employees with disabilities of different ages.
Not all people with disabilities want to work
The company told us that their HR department works in cooperation with organizations that provide assistance to people with disabilities, including - engaged in their employment, select jobs that best suit their abilities and desires.
"Unfortunately, not many people with disabilities want to work. Of course, it is also important that the candidates themselves believe in their own strength, try themselves, show their own initiative, " - says Natalia Bazko, Deputy Head of the Department of Human Resources for Remuneration.
Watsons notes that projects to employ people with disabilities are being implemented not only in Kyiv but also in the regions. As the company’s main activity is retail, people with disabilities are mostly trusted with cash registers, display of goods, cleaning. "Also, the office professions of courier, computer operator, clerk are in demand. The company also has qualified employees with one or another disability group who hold senior positions. ”- Natalia Bazko explains and adds that they employ people with endocrine, neurological, cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, with hearing impairment.
The company says that people with disabilities are several times more involved in the work process, because the opportunity to earn is important for anyone, but in the case of people with disabilities, it is also a way of rehabilitation.
"People with disabilities are less likely to be hospitalized and less likely to be late for work, resulting in low turnover," Watsons said.
Barriers to employment for people with disabilities exist in any society
Ukrainians are becoming more tolerant and prejudiced against people with disabilities. Also, the company says that in most cases, the external signs of the disease in their employees with disabilities are not detected.
" We are trying to create a favorable and comfortable atmosphere, to provide everyone with equal conditions for work and development. Clients’ reactions to employees, for example, with hearing problems may be different. Therefore, to ensure convenient interaction between employees and customers, we, in some cases, used special information boards located directly at the box office crossed out "ear" , - comments on the situation Natalia Bazko.
As we have already mentioned, there are many problems with the employment of people with disabilities in Ukraine. Many employers try to simply fictitiously employ people with disabilities to cover the set interest rate. Watsons notes that barriers to employment for people with disabilities exist in any society and on many levels: physical, psychological, social.
"Today, Watsons Ukraine, part of the AS Watson Group - the world’s largest retail chain for beauty and health products, is trying to apply best practices and procedures in all areas of management, create all necessary conditions to ensure such people a full life and hard work. We really really want people with special needs to be able to exercise their right to decent employment, "Natalia Bazko concluded.
Author Anastasia Ishchenko
Photo Watsons
Read also: How people with disabilities work in Ukraine: Auchan tells about his experience