Business owner makes money by hiring disabled workers

Summary

This inspiring video highlights the powerful business case for hiring people with disabilities, demonstrating that inclusion drives profitability. Mark Wafer, a Tim Hortons franchise owner, discovered that employees with disabilities, like Clint Sparling and Tawnya Walsh, often outperform their peers, boosting productivity and reducing turnover. Similarly, Walgreens' inclusive hiring practices in their distribution centers have resulted in higher efficiency and morale. The concept of 'Return on Disability' shows that businesses can thrive by creating diverse, supportive work environments. Ultimately, the video emphasizes that doing good for society can also be good for business.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mark Wafer, owner of seven Tim Hortons franchises, discovered the business value of hiring individuals with disabilities 18 years ago, and it boosted his profits.
• 😀 Clint Sparling, hired for his work ethic despite having Down Syndrome, became one of Mark's best employees, proving the financial benefits of inclusivity.
• 😀 A third of Mark's workforce at his Tim Hortons stores has a disability, and this inclusive hiring model has led to higher employee loyalty and reduced turnover.
• 😀 Employees with disabilities at Tim Hortons perform at higher levels than their non-disabled counterparts, such as a deaf employee who outperformed a nine-year veteran.
• 😀 Tawnya Walsh, who has autism, received two promotions in seven years, demonstrating the work ethic and dedication of employees with disabilities.
• 😀 Priya Premsukh, with an intellectual delay, efficiently manages tasks like cleaning tables, proving that employees with disabilities are highly capable.
• 😀 Employees with disabilities at Tim Hortons tend to stay longer, which helps the company reduce the high turnover costs typical in the fast-food industry.
• 😀 The cost to replace a front-line worker at Tim Hortons can reach up to $4,000, but Mark's model reduces turnover rates, saving significant money in the long run.
• 😀 Rich Donovan, an advocate for disability inclusion, coined the term 'Return on Disability' to highlight the business advantages of hiring individuals with disabilities.
• 😀 Walgreens' distribution center in Windsor, Connecticut, operates with nearly 50% of its workforce having a disability, resulting in a more efficient and profitable operation.
• 😀 Companies like Tim Hortons and Walgreens show that disability inclusion is not just a social responsibility—it's a business strategy that drives profitability and employee satisfaction.

Q & A

What is the core theme of the video script?

The core theme of the video is the business benefits of hiring employees with disabilities, showing how such employees can outperform others and contribute to higher profits, while also creating a more inclusive workplace.

How did Mark Wafer's experience with his own disability influence his hiring decisions?

Mark Wafer, who is hearing impaired, became more open to hiring individuals with disabilities. His own experience made him realize the untapped potential of disabled employees, leading him to hire Clint Sparling, who proved to be a top performer.

What is 'Return on Disability' and who coined the term?

'Return on Disability' is a term coined by Rich Donovan, which refers to the business profitability achieved by employing individuals with disabilities. It highlights how integrating disabled employees can improve productivity and reduce turnover, benefiting the company's bottom line.

How did Clint Sparling contribute to the success of Mark Wafer's Tim Hortons stores?

Clint Sparling, who has Down Syndrome, became one of Mark Wafer's best employees. His dedication and work ethic led to increased productivity and significantly reduced the number of sick days, making him a key asset to the business.

What impact did hiring employees with disabilities have on turnover rates in Mark Wafer's Tim Hortons stores?

Hiring employees with disabilities reduced turnover rates in Mark Wafer's Tim Hortons stores. This helped save significant recruitment and training costs, as employees with disabilities tend to stay longer in their positions compared to others in the industry.

How does the Walgreens distribution center model support employees with disabilities?

Walgreens' distribution center in Windsor, Connecticut, employs nearly half of its workforce with disabilities. The facility is designed to accommodate diverse needs, such as using icons instead of text for instructions, which benefits all employees and boosts productivity across the board.

What is the significance of the design of Walgreens' distribution center?

The design of Walgreens' distribution center incorporates features like icon-based instructions and accessible workstations, which help employees with disabilities perform their tasks more efficiently. These changes have also improved the overall productivity and efficiency of the facility.

How does Rich Donovan encourage businesses to hire people with disabilities?

Rich Donovan encourages businesses to hire people with disabilities by focusing on the numbers—proving that hiring disabled employees is not about charity, but rather a smart business decision that can improve efficiency and profitability.

What role does employee loyalty play in the success of businesses that hire disabled workers?

Employee loyalty is a key factor in the success of businesses that hire disabled workers. The reduced turnover in Mark Wafer's Tim Hortons franchises, for instance, contributed to lower recruitment costs and a more stable workforce.

How does Mark Wafer promote his approach to hiring disabled workers?

Mark Wafer promotes his approach by giving talks to business communities across Canada, where he shares his success story and highlights how hiring disabled employees is not only the right thing to do but also a sound business strategy.