Many people with disabilities continue to be overlooked in the workforce. Halma company Limotec, a Belgium-based designer and manufacturer of fire and gas detection systems, is helping to change that. In a partnership that stretches back over a decade, Limotec is working with WAAK, an organisation that helps those with disabilities access the workplace.
Unlocking the talent of people with disabilities
Limotec first started by outsourcing some assembly work to WAAK. It later expanded to employing disabled people on site at Limotec where they’re responsible for the assembly of gas and fire detection panels. Limotec ensured they were welcomed and included and were paid the same as other Limotec employees. They enjoy the same employment opportunities as everyone else and deliver the same quality outputs.
Addressing Covid-19 and its impact
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, transportation and other constraints made it difficult for Limotec’s WAAK employees to continue to come to work. Limotec quickly adapted its arrangement with WAAK to remove barriers. This included renegotiating the insurance requirements that would make it possible for the employees to come to work in their own vehicles, as opposed to being transported by WAAK. It also implemented precautions to contain Covid-19 infection rates and installed a badge system that would make logging their working hours transparent. This model proved so successful that WAAK has since rolled this out to other employers in their network.
Building a workplace for everyone
Limotec has also made accommodations in the workplace for another staff member whose physical condition prevents him from standing upright for long periods of time. This includes adapting his workstation to help him do his job and focusing on ways to support his long-term health and wellbeing.
The company is a firm believer that commercial success and employee experience are tightly linked. In fact, in a recent survey, Limotec asked employees how they are performing against several measures that most impact their engagement and work satisfaction. Achieving an overall satisfactory score of 93%, the themes that emerged included a wellbeing culture and supportive management, showing how Limotec’s inclusive working environment is a key factor in its high engagement rates.
As well as full-time employment and financial security, Limotec provides these staff members with a sense of belonging and acceptance, a testament to the culture of inclusion Halma aspires to in all its businesses.
“My father was disabled and was unable to work and I saw how much this affected him. Giving people who are marginalised a chance to feel valued and equal is very fulfilling”
Jan Herreman, Managing Director.
