Gütersloh, 01/10/2025

"The focus was on education"

On International Day of People with Disabilities on December 3, the representatives of severely disabled employees at German Bertelsmann companies targeted employees with various campaigns. Gaby McNab, Group Representative for Employees with Disabilities, explains the goals - and draws a positive conclusion from the campaigns.

Representatives for employees with disabilities at more than 30 Bertelsmann sites in Germany took part in activities to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. The aim was to inform colleagues with disabilities about their rights and to motivate those who could declare an existing disability to actually do so. Gaby McNab, the Group's representative for employees with disabilities, draws a positive conclusion from the campaigns.

Gaby, there have also been campaigns in previous years to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities. What was special this time?

Gaby McNab: It was the first Group-wide campaign by the representatives of severely disabled employees on December 3, which was aimed specifically at employees. Companies from every Bertelsmann division took part. The representatives came up with a lot of ideas to inform their colleagues about the topic of disability and attract them to their stands. Whether it was baked waffles or muffins, a wheel of fortune or breakfast rolls, flyers, posters or flags on the outside of the building facades: The representatives for severely disabled employees were very creative. It was important for us to start a conversation. We have to talk about disabilities, that's very important.

What did the employees want to know? How was the response?

Gaby McNab: The representatives for severely disabled employees received positive feedback and had numerous interesting discussions. Many colleagues were interested, for example, in why a distinction is made between disability and severe disability, what it means to have a degree of disability and who assigns it. There were also questions from employees who already had a disability and wanted to know how much they would have to disclose about their disability if they were to tell their employer. Clarification was the explicit aim of the campaign day, and this is where the representatives of severely disabled employees were able to contribute their expertise. In some cases, a further appointment was arranged, which could even lead to an application. All in all, the discussions were very interesting. The representatives for severely disabled employees were once again able to show that they are always available to provide advice and support and that colleagues can turn to them at any time.

Did the representatives for severely disabled employees also talk to managers?

Gaby McNab: Yes, many managers have also informed themselves. Apart from the fact that they could be affected themselves, it is important that they familiarize themselves with the topic. This is the only way they can overcome any reservations they may have themselves or in their team about the assumed performance limitations of employees with disabilities. People also often ask what they can do or need to do if there are employees with disabilities in their teams. Our answer to this is to always talk to the employees. In most cases, no support is needed at all - and if it is, there are various compensations for disadvantages that employers can also take advantage of.