As companies across industries navigate workforce challenges, G&W Electric is taking a proactive and forward-thinking approach. By embracing neurodiversity, the company has found an innovative way to attract, retain, and empower talent while enhancing productivity and workplace culture. G&W Electric’s commitment to building a more inclusive environment has not only helped streamline processes and improve performance, it has become a defining feature of the company’s identity.
About G&W Electric Co.
Headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois, G&W Electric has been a global leader in sustainable power solutions for over a century. Founded by engineers of Commonwealth Edison, Harry Gear and Paul Williams, G&W Electric has consistently prioritized innovation and safety. From developing early manual and automatic switchgears to introducing the Viper® recloser and Trident® solid dielectric recloser, and implementing a state-of-the-art microgrid, G&W Electric continues to engineer the next evolution of power.
In addition to its technical leadership, G&W Electric is advancing workforce inclusion through its growing neurodiversity initiative. The company has completed more than six rounds of hiring for this program, employing 11 neurodivergent individuals across seven departments. These efforts have created a foundational shift in how the company approaches talent and inclusion.
Achieving Efficiency through Neurodiversity
Launching a successful neurodiverse hiring strategy began with an internal analysis to identify roles where neurodivergent individuals could thrive. These roles were typically repetitive in nature, included consistent expectations, required minimal independent decision-making, and featured clear communication channels.
After identifying these roles, the next step was to create an environment conducive to success. G&W Electric adopted Spectrum Certified™ job descriptions, standardized visual aids, detailed schedules, and other custom supports. Training was also provided for existing staff to ensure a supportive and inclusive workplace. A skill-matching process was then used to align each candidate with the right position.
The impact of this thoughtful approach became immediately clear. David Jones, Production Manager at G&W Electric, shared his observations: “In our case, their ability to excel in repetitive tasks has led to increased production… Our neurodivergent employees’ strong attention to detail and consistency have led to more efficient workflows. Their handling of lugs has resulted in reduced errors and better quality-control, leading to fewer disruptions and less waste.”
Leadership Through Inclusion
Beyond task performance, G&W Electric has actively empowered neurodivergent employees to take on leadership roles. Jones highlighted this shift: “We decided to have some neurodivergent employees lead the team during pre-shift stretches to highlight their leadership potential. Neurodiverse individuals can excel in different roles by leveraging their ability to focus on specific tasks and lead by example. By embracing neurodiversity, we have created a work environment that values and respects individuals for their diverse abilities.”
He added, “This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and motivation, increasing job satisfaction and higher employee morale.”
The metrics support the success of G&W Electric’s neurodiverse hiring strategy:
Microswitch Assembly
● 30% increase in growth (150 switches ➡ 210 switches)
● 75% decrease in required man hours (32 hours/week ➡ 8 hours/week)
Ariel Lug Assembly
● 30% increase in growth (300 lugs ➡ 420 lugs)
● 62.5% decrease in required man hours (32 hours/week ➡ 12 hours/week)
By leveraging the unique strengths of neurodivergent employees, G&W Electric achieved improved accuracy, reduced waste, and dependable output. These results demonstrate how inclusion can also support operational excellence.
Cross-Training and Role Expansion
A standout success story comes from Robert, who was hired for a role in the customer service department, a position with historically high turnover. The role demanded attention to detail and consistent independent work to manage and file invoices. After tailored training and a successful skills demonstration, Robert was selected. Within weeks, he cleared a nearly year-long backlog.
Robert’s impact extended beyond his assigned tasks. He eventually moved to full-time status and was trained on year-end processes. His contributions gave leadership time back in their day and helped make the department’s paperless goal a realistic objective. Over two years later, Robert remains a key member of the team.
Robert’s story is not unique. Ed, originally a contract employee hired in 2020, transitioned to a full-time assembler after strong performance. Gabe, a part-time inspector in the EPOX department since 2021, has taken on responsibilities in both inspection and assembly, consistently contributing with enthusiasm. Nick, hired in Fall 2022 as a contract worker, was brought on full-time as a Material Handler in the Central Warehouse.
Warehouse Manager Abdul Basraoui commented on Nick’s contributions: “Nick is a pleasure to work with. He is consistent and on-time. He asks questions when he doesn’t understand and chances of him doing the wrong thing, simply by taking a guess, are nearly zero.” Basraoui added, “Nick is excellent at sticking to his task and ensuring accurate counts of warehouse stock levels, which allows us to run our business more efficiently. He requires upfront instruction; however, once that is understood he executes accurately and with minimal managerial oversight needed.”
Engineering a Perfect Fit
Another notable case is Kevin, an engineer and certified calibration technician. Kevin originally applied for an entry-level position through a skills demonstration. Although he lacked the fine motor skills required for that role, he held a degree in engineering and impressed interviewers with his professionalism.
Later, when a position opened in the engineering department, Kevin was brought in for a formal interview and was hired. He worked diligently to meet expectations and ultimately earned his certification as a calibration technician. Throughout G&W Electric’s history, Kevin is the first to achieve this credential. His story exemplifies the power of effective skill-matching and inclusive hiring.
Strengthening Workforce through Community
G&W Electric has also built strategic partnerships with local schools and organizations to support its neurodiverse hiring. One such partnership is with Hinsdale Township District 86, which has placed four students at G&W Electric.
Katie DiCianni, the district’s High School Transition Director, shared: “It has provided an opportunity for our students to be supported while being shown that they are a contender for a job. The support and feedback we have received has been beyond any that we have received before from an employer. It really allows an underemployed population to have meaningful employment.”
These partnerships not only strengthen the company’s talent pipeline but also promote long-term community engagement and brand recognition as a leading inclusive employer.
A Model for Sustainable Workforce Development
The future of workforce development will require bold thinking and cultural innovation. At G&W Electric, inclusive hiring has proven to be a strong investment, creating lasting benefits for both employees and the organization.
While competitive, integrated employment may be common in many industries, it remains out of reach for numerous neurodivergent individuals due to systemic barriers. Many are relegated to sub-minimum wage jobs, sheltered workshops, or roles lacking advancement opportunities. G&W Electric challenges that reality and proves that inclusive, skill-aligned employment is both achievable and advantageous.
Not every worker is right for every job, but every worker is right for a job. At G&W Electric, success comes from matching people with roles that align with their abilities, building not only a more inclusive company but a stronger, more sustainable workforce for the future.
Learn more about our Learning & Development initiatives at G&W Electric.
