Founded in 2013, the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) convenes buyers, suppliers, and public interest advocates from around the country to develop programs that simplify and standardize sustainable purchasing efforts.
In May of 2018, Lifeworks supported the SPLC conference in Minneapolis using an inclusive hiring model to help staff the conference. With the sponsorship of Best Buy, 16 people gained paid work experience through roles such as registration support, timekeeping, and breakout session management. This undertaking brought attention to how advancing employment for people with disabilities can raise a businesses’ bottom line while increasing community engagement and ensuring equal opportunity – essentially promoting more equitable and sustainable communities.
To share the successful experience with other businesses, Lifeworks Disability Inclusion Consultant, Ashley Oolman, submitted a study to SPLC that highlighted Lifeworks involvement in the 2018 conference and the impact of increasing accessibility and inclusion for all, titled, “Cast a Winder Net: Advancing Inclusive and Sustainable Hiring.” The work received an Outstanding Case Study Certificate from SPLC and was published on their online resource library.
When presented with the award, Oolman remarked, “Receiving the award is such an honor. We appreciate the SPLC recognizing the value of inclusive hiring practices and their support of talent diversification in the workforce.”
Are you interested in learning more about how to address staffing challenges or having Lifeworks present to your business about diversity, equity, and inclusion? Contact: 612-695-2289.