ZF encourages inclusion, addresses work potential of people with ASD

Frequently, people in the autism spectrum have special skills and talents – and yet face enormous difficulties in the labor market. What opportunities can companies offer them? What kind of support is available? What does inclusion look like in practice? These questions were at the heart of an expert conference staged by ZF Friedrichshafen AG on October 6 in Germany.

They recognize errors and patterns at a glance, can concentrate on details for hours, have an inherent quality consciousness, and are both loyal and honest: In many professions, people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) really ought to be sought-after employees. Reality looks different, though: Only five to ten percent of all people with ASD are working in a job that is subject to social insurance contributions. At the invitation of ZF, experts now set out ways in which both the people affected and companies can benefit from the employment of this group.

"Inclusion is possible – and it is worthwhile," underlined Jürgen Holeksa, ZF's Board Member Human Resources, at the start of the expert conference before Sebastian Schlaich took over to explain the medical aspects of the disorder, which affects an estimated 600 000 people in Germany. Contrary to some clichés, people with ASD are "no geniuses, but frequently exhibit outstanding skills," said the chief physician of the St. Lukas clinic in Meckenbeuren. "These people do not see themselves as impaired, but they are often perceived as strange by others" – be it due to linguistic or movement disorders, perception disorders, or unusual social behavior.

Therefore, it is all the more important to offer intensive support to this group of people and their colleagues in the workplace. There are a wide range of corresponding support programs available: In our region, companies are offered advice on how to realize the potential of people with ASD by the employment agency, the Integration Services of the Lake Constance/Upper Swabia region, and the "Wirtschaft inklusiv" (Inclusive Economy) project of the "Bildungswerk der Baden-Württembergischen Wirtschaft" (Educational Institute of the Baden-Württemberg Business and Economy).

And their potential is indeed significant, as demonstrated by examples from the field: People with ASD are valuable employees as developers or engineers, in logistics, or as programmers. For instance, the auticon GmbH company exclusively employs people in the autism spectrum, hiring them as IT consultants for renowned companies such as Vodafone or Siemens. Stefanie Lawitzke, project manager of "autism at work" at the software company SAP, reported on "almost magical experience", also with regard to the media's response: Never before in the history of the company had a press release received more attention than the one reporting on the start of this project last year.