Why is workplace diversity important?
Workplace diversity is very important to Hartford Healthcare Federal Credit Union (HHFCU) because our members are from all walks of life. We feel the need to represent our membership in the workplace as well.
Twelve years ago, HHFCU had the need to scan 12,000 membership cards into computer files. Carol Bayreuther, president and CEO, had worked with the Oak Hill School for the Blind in the past and thought there might be an opportunity for someone to help with this task. Brian Czaja, who is legally blind and mentally challenged, was recommended for the job. A special screen was adapted for Brian to scan the cards and he worked daily for the Credit Union for about a year. At the completion of the project, Carol and all the staff at HHFCU had become so attached to Brian, they asked him to stay on permanently.
Today, having Brian at HHFCU enriches everyone’s lives. He loves positive re-enforcement and always looks for the bright spot. His smile lights up the room.
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How does your organization promote diversity?
Hartford Healthcare Federal Credit Union promotes diversity in the workplace by having someone like Brian working on a daily basis. Brian moved on from the scanning project to being completely responsible for managing the file room. He has learned responsibility not only for himself but also for his surroundings. When Brian first started working at HHFCU, he was fairly shy, and did not interact with other staff members. Today, Brian exhibits confidence, has a sense of belonging and feels he is an integral part of the team. The staff at HHFCU has had to adjust to Brian’s needs as well. They know they must give him very detailed directions, write in a clear manner and not overload him with too many files at one time. He has learned that communication goes both ways. Brian has grown not only in his independence, but also in his sense of accomplishment. He feels he’s a full member of the staff at HHFCU, and every member of the staff feels the same way!
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What factors are most important in managing a diverse workplace?
When managing a diverse workplace, care and consistency are extremely important. Not only caring for Brian and his specific needs, but also caring for the other staff members as well. All the employees at HHFCU feel Brian is part of their extended family. He is treated with respect and with a loving eye. Being consistent with expectations for Brian is important to his daily operations. He needs to have specific directions with clear understanding of his ability to perform the tasks. Staff members at HHFCU have had to adjust their working and communicating styles to allow Brian to understand and perform his tasks appropriately. The ARC of Farmington coaches Brian on a weekly basis and makes sure he is following the guidelines and procedures set by the Credit Union.
How does a diverse workplace better serve your organization’s clients or customers?
Having a diverse workplace creates an amazing sense of teamwork and caring among the staff, which translates down to our members. Brian contributes more than just his work to HHFCU. He brings a smile to everyone. His love of the Credit Union and his sense of belonging is contagious, as is his constant smile. Having Brian a part of HHFCU enriches the lives of those around him. He reminds everyone that just doing the simple daily tasks is not so bad. He brings a sense of accomplishment to staff and members, and his self-confidence has grown noticeably. While he once lived in a group home and was dependent on others for daily transportation to and from work, Brian now lives independently and takes the bus to work each day. He reminds us every day to be grateful for all that we have in our lives. Brian is truly part of the HHFCU family. We would not be the same kind of organization without him.
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Position: File room clerk
Company: Hartford Healthcare Federal Credit Union
Location: Hartford
Category: Innovation (Individual)
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