G&W Electric Invests in Neurodiversity Workforce

G&W Electric Invests in Neurodiversity Workforce

Despite a talented pool of prospects, individuals with disabilities from autism to Asperger’s syndrome struggle to find employment

Bolingbrook, Illinois, February 13, 2020 – G&W Electric Co., a global supplier of electric power equipment since 1905, announced today the company’s commitment to furthering its legacy of innovation by hiring a neurodiverse workforce. While this initiative helps improve employee diversity and culture, it also provides meaningful careers for individuals on the autism spectrum and individuals with disabilities that are eager to work but typically overlooked.
“In a world where many individuals on the autism spectrum are unemployed and individuals with disabilities are overlooked, G&W Electric is excited to provide safe and meaningful employment to this untapped, dedicated workforce,” said John Mueller, Chairman and Owner of G&W Electric. “This initiative will improve service to our customers, strengthen our community, and enhance our corporate culture.”
To help onboard new employees, G&W Electric has partnered with Autism Workforce to recruit, hire and train its neurodiverse employees. With the help of Autism Workforce, the company has hired two individuals to work on its assembly line. Many individuals with autism or development disabilities thrive from the structure of repetitive tasks which can result in increased productivity.
David Geslak, Founder and President of Autism Workforce, wants companies to understand the value this workforce can bring to a business. “While this is being socially responsible, it has been proven to be a good business decision that will have a great return on investment with lower turnover and higher productivity,” he said, “but everyone involved in the hiring, on-boarding and management roles must be prepared and educated for the new employees and business to be successful. And that is what we have done at G&W Electric.”

Additionally, the company has joined forces with The Secondary Transition Experience Program (STEP), a special education initiative within Bolingbrook and Romeoville publics schools for young adults, ages 18 to 22. STEP supports motivated young adults who are looking for guidance in developing work and independent life skills. G&W Electric currently has a STEP student working in its paint area on a 60-day internship.

For more information, visit www.gwelectric.com.
About G&W Electric
Since 1905, G&W Electric has helped power the world with innovative power grid solutions and products. With the introduction of the first disconnectable cable terminating device in the early 1900s, G&W Electric began to build a reputation for innovative engineered solutions to meet the needs of systems designers. With an ever-present commitment to customer satisfaction, G&W Electric enjoys a worldwide reputation for quality products and superior service. For more information on G&W Electric visit their new website at www.gwelec.com. Follow G&W Electric on Twitter @GW_Electric and on LinkedIn.