Collaborating with Business:A Survey of Employers

Participating in PWDNETDecember, 2012

Leah Lobato, Utah State Office of RehabilitationCarol Ruddell, Work Ability Utah

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People With Disabilities Network (PWDNET)

• Joint MIG-Utah State Office of Rehabilitation effort established in 2005

• Partner to create business relationships resulting in successful employees and businesses

• Design system responsive to meet business needs

• Follow CSAVR standards and protocols for business relations

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PWDNET Services

Multi-agency business driven service offering:• Pre-screened, qualified candidates;• Orientation workshops on hiring and retaining

employees with disabilities;• Customized worksite specific training;• Job posting options (DOL Job Orders, listserv);• Job fairs targeting candidates with disabilities; and• Business to business networking

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After six years…

Is PWDNET meetingbusinesses’ needs?

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Evaluation Method

• Survey and analysis conducted by the University of Utah’s Center for Public Policy & Administration

• On-line survey sent to 357 individuals who participated in a PWDNET employer event.– Represented 195 organizations.

• The response rate was 15% (n=54), representing over 45 organizations (23%).

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Respondents’ Organizational Role

Analysis respondent’s job titles revealed:• 43% in Human Resources (specialist,

generalist, etc.)

• 22% in management, including directors and a president

• 16% in recruiting functions

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Overall, respondents werefor-profit, large employers.

• 56% represented for-profit businesses

• 23% represented federal or state government

• 13% represented non-profit businesses

• 86% organizations employed over 150 people

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Survey Topics

• Services used

• Usefulness of the services

• Satisfaction with program

• Value of the program to their organization

• Impact on human resource’s practices

• Suggestions for additional topics

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Services Used and Usefulness

On average respondents used 2.5 of 6 services offered

Usefulness:

•Customized trainings – highest rating

•Employer workshops

•Individualized support to accommodate an employee

•Networking with other businesses 9

Value of Services

78% respondents indicated that the program was either valuable or extremely valuable to their overall employment practices.

Aspects seen as most valuable:•Increased knowledge and/or awareness•Knowledgeable staff•Networking opportunities

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Changes to Employment Practices

• 72% of respondents (39 of the 54) indicated that their organizations had made changes in their employment practices since involvement in the PWDNET. – Changes to recruiting and hiring practices were most

common (24 of the 39 responses).

• In addition, 29 respondents thought their organization would make changes to other areas of their employment practices in the future.

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Recommendations forProgram Improvements

• Additional screening of candidates• Specific workplace information, for example

accommodations within a call center worksite• Job fairs in other areas of the state

Full report:http://www.workabilityutah.org/about/products.php

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Notable Quotes

“It is an excellent resource for businesses and individuals with disabilities seeking employment.”

“The most valuable aspect continues to be the interaction with your staff, being able to ask questions and get the support needed.”

“Knowing that there is someone to help and assist when we do hire a person with a disability.”

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Take Aways

• Customized programs may be viewed most favorably

• Group events provide the most information to the largest audience and create synergy and increase the learning effect

• Working with employers to create opportunities can have an impact

• Opportunity to network which is valued14

Sherry NealUS Forest ServiceCivil Rights EEO SpecialistIntermountain Region

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Shannon CassiasHuman Resource Consultant

State of UtahDivision of Human Resource Management

What’s happened since the PWDNET Employer Survey?

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Recent Business Requests

Established relationships move to a new level:•New or more complicated questions•New concerns•Management styles and employee relationships•Development of improved business processes

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Discussion and Q & A

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Thank you!

For additional information

Leah LobatoBusiness Relations SpecialistUtah State Office of Rehabilitation1595 West 500 SouthSalt Lake City UT 84104(801) 505-8491leahlobato@utah.gov

Carol RuddellProject DirectorWork Ability UtahUtah Department of Health1595 West 500 SouthSalt Lake City UT 84104(801) 887-9388cruddell@utah.gov

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