With over a decade of proven excellence, Alliance Construction Materials Limited (Alliance) stands as a beacon for sustainable concrete and aggregate solutions, contributing to the creation of vibrant and liveable cities. Central to the company’s ethos is a dedication to fostering equal opportunities, a principle that has guided its operations for years. When the opportunity arose to join The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant: CareER Thriving Grass Career Development Programme (Thriving Grass), it perfectly aligned with Alliance’s enduring commitment to community welfare.
In this article, Keith Chor, Head of Human Resources at Alliance, sheds light on the organisation’s inaugural steps towards inclusive employment and shares the valuable insights gained throughout this transformative journey.
How did your organisation begin the D&I journey in Hong Kong? And why did you decide to participate in The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant: CareER Thriving Grass Career Development Programme (Thriving Grass)?
At Alliance, fostering equal opportunities has always been a core principle. We believe in providing a level playing field for individuals with different abilities, as long as they meet the job requirements. While we are actively involved in supporting vulnerable groups through community service and volunteerism, we are seeking alternatives that align with our decade-long commitment to the local community. This year, we had a chance to embark on a new chapter by partnering with CareER.
Although we were unfamiliar with disability hiring at first, our journey with CareER has been enlightening. Our eyes were opened to a broad spectrum of talents and candidates with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN). This realization prompted us to explore avenues within our organisations to support and provide employment opportunities for people with different needs.
After careful consideration and internal alignment, we identified our IT department as an ideal starting point for this endeavour. We are excited about the new chapter in our journey towards inclusive employment practices and looked forward to the positive impact it will bring to our organisation and the community at large.
What are the takeaways during the process?
We once believed that candidates from CareER primarily encompassed individuals with visible or physical disabilities, envisioning substantial adjustments in our office facilities. To our surprise, the discussion with CareER broadened our horizons, revealing a spectrum of talents beyond physical impairments, but also including SEN talents with invisible or mental challenges.
The interview with our intern Anthony, who has ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, was another surprise. This remarkable candidate was not only on par with his peers, but also showcased exceptional technical skills and knowledge in the IT field.
When navigating reasonable workplace accommodations for Anthony, we found that implementing minor adjustments, such as arranging a quieter workstation with less distraction, was seamlessly achievable. Through collaboration with our IT team and fostering a culture of inclusivity, we created a welcoming environment where everyone could contribute meaningfully.
(Line manager with Anthony(CareER intern))
Our experience underscores a crucial lesson: by embracing individuals with disabilities, we unlock a wellspring of invaluable talent that not only enriches our workforce but also fulfils our organisation’s human resources needs.
Any feedback on CareER and the intern after the Thriving Grass Programme? Will there be any next steps?
Our IT team observed that Anthony displayed remarkable initiative and a positive attitude at work. He willingly took proactive steps during his internship, including engaging with superiors and seeking advice from various team members. His proactive approach certainly has a positive impact on other colleagues. When an intern is so proactive, you can’t afford to be any less, thus positively influencing the entire IT team.
At Alliance, new hires are paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance and support. This mentoring structure allows interns like Anthony to address daily challenges and navigate work responsibilities effectively, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. Prior to onboarding Anthony, early training from CareER on disability etiquette helped us recognise Anthony’s unique needs and equipped us with the tools to support Anthony’s workplace requirements. We now realise that even individuals with the same disability or SEN type could have different needs. Everyone is unique. Through tailored assistance and mentorship, Anthony smoothly integrated into our team, demonstrating that with the right support, individuals with diverse abilities can thrive in any workplace environment.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone’s talents are valued. If the opportunity arises, we look forward to welcoming Anthony as a permanent member of our team when he graduates from university, embodying our dedication to diversity and empowerment in the workplace.