Skills Developed by Disabilities Are Precious Assets ~Part 4~

Skills Developed by Disabilities Are Precious Assets ~Part 4~

The last report of Starbucks Headquarters visit. I had an opportunity to meet Jessica Rafuse who is manager within the Equal Employment Opportunity team at Starbucks. Jessica has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. To empower employment for people with disabilities, Jessica works with Starbucks business units to develop individualized hiring strategies. I often hear from US companies, including Starbucks that “hiring the very best person for the job” is first priority. A person with disability often develops a powerful strength, which is developed by the disability. Jessica gave an inspiring example.

On the other hand, it appears that Japanese companies has not yet realized and recognized persons with disabilities’ strengths. I see Japanese companies often remove people with disabilities from “the very best person” from the beginning of recruiting process.

Awareness Determines the Fate of Employment for People with Disabilities ~Starbucks Part 3~

Awareness Determines the Fate of Employment for People with Disabilities ~Starbucks Part 3~

Continuously on the Starbucks report, I had a chance to talk with Adam Novsam who is a Deaf Starbucks partner and works as a Business Analyst. I was impressed when he shared his perspective as a Deaf person in the Starbucks Access Alliance meeting. He shared his interesting background and career experiences before he joined Starbucks. There are lots of differences between Deaf and hearing culture. I also shared my previous experiences of working with Deaf colleague in Tokyo.

Reasons Why Starbucks Is Loved by Customers and Employees ~Starbucks Part 2~

Reasons Why Starbucks Is Loved by Customers and Employees ~Starbucks Part 2~

Continuously on the Starbucks report, I interviewed Ms. Marthalee Galeota who is a manager, Equal Opportunity Initiatives and is also a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter. Marthalee is like a professional “bridge.” She serves as an internal consultant sharing her subject matter expertise on new and existing initiatives, and also dedicates her efforts for Starbucks customers with disabilities by improving customer service and accessibilities at store.

Real Strength of People with Disabilities at Workplace ~Starbucks Part 1~

Real Strength of People with Disabilities at Workplace ~Starbucks Part 1~

I am always impressed by Starbucks’s high quality of customer service and very curious how Starbucks maintains the high quality of customer service at the numerous number of stores. In Seattle, I could visit Starbucks Headquarters twice! I have lots of stories to share with you. In part 1, I write about my great experience at the meeting of Access Alliance, one of Starbucks’s employee resource groups which promote inclusion and integrate accessibility. I found real strength of diversity and inclusion at Starbucks.

Utilize “Difference” of Individuals to Create Big Positive Impact to the Society ~Microsoft Part 2~

Utilize “Difference” of Individuals to Create Big Positive Impact to the Society ~Microsoft Part 2~

Continuously on the Microsoft report, I found that Microsoft have implemented various kinds of systems, programs, and trainings to create equal opportunities and to promote inclusive work environment. I am curious how Microsoft creates a inclusive work environment and how they create great positive impact to the society.