Embracing differences for success
‘The openness with which Enterprise embraced the undoubtable challenge my particular disability presents was refreshing and should be replicated,’ said Christina McCarthy, an administrative representative in the Dublin city centre branch who has been with Enterprise for nearly two years.
Enterprise’s founding values are fundamental to success and key is inclusivity and equal opportunities for all, no matter what their circumstances.
Visual impairment has presented Christina with challenges throughout her career. She has found the assistance and support she has received from Enterprise particularly comforting. This has helped her to excel in her current position.
Christina readily shares what it’s like working with a disability and has previously spoken on a panel about it.
She opened up about her experience working at Enterprise, especially the accessible adjustments which have made a lasting difference in both her recruitment and onboarding process, and now during her day to day role as well.
“Enterprise did not require me to go through psychometric testing, which can be a barrier to many applicants, particularly those with a visual impairment. They made sure I would be able to complete all the tasks required. I didn’t have to look at driving licences, for example, because I’m not on the front counter.”
The more honest you are, the more Enterprise will be able to tailor the assistance they can provide.
Enterprise continuously strives to do better to support both applicants and employees, exploring new options and listening to feedback, implementing added support to attract the best talent, and then to develop and nurture all employees.
Christina said, “Enterprise employed an engineering company to make systems compatible with the screen reading software. They also installed Braille display which is attached to the computer and displays anything written on the screen. They invested a good deal of money into this, enabling me to have full access to all the systems I need.”
Christina says people who currently have a disability and are thinking of applying for roles at Enterprise should just go for it!
“The more honest you are, the more Enterprise will be able to tailor the assistance they can provide. Not everyone’s experience of disability is the same. Employees should never be afraid to ask questions, and it’s very important to have useful dialogue around disability awareness across as many areas of the organisation as possible.”
Enterprise encourages greater awareness and understanding for those experiencing a disability through events open to all employees, such as the ‘Breaking Down the Barriers’ event that took place at EU HQ on 3rd December 2018. This internationally recognised day is aimed at bringing about an understanding of the issues disability can present. Enterprise has invited a host of internal and external speakers for the day to provide an invaluable learning opportunity for employees to get better exposure to issues related to disabilities. In FY2018, more than one in 10 diversity activities hosted at Enterprise were on the topic of disability, demonstrating the strength of the company’s commitment.
