5 Ways Customized Employment Benefits Businesses

1. Customized jobs target a company’s specific needs

Penn-Mar specializes in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to secure jobs in the community. Our goal is always to create a “win-win” position for both the person we support and the business. As part of this process, we carefully review a company’s workflow to identify overlooked or understaffed tasks that can be developed into a customized job. We then create a comprehensive job description that details the position’s scope of work and update it as additional time or tasks are required. Often our unique perspective allows businesses to identify areas of need they didn’t even realize they had!

2. A ready-to-work, trained, and supported workforce

When an employer hires a Penn-Mar job seeker, they not only get a well-trained employee ready to fulfill the job requirements, but they also receive the full support of Penn-Mar’s customized employment team. In addition to training the job seeker, we also provide training for current staff on how best to support and ensure success for that person. This can involve communication tips, incorporating Assisted Technology, disability awareness training, and more. Penn-Mar also provides on-the-job coaching for new hires to ensure that they are performing all job duties correctly. Once mastered, the job coach will still pop in for weekly or monthly visits to check on the employee and touch base with the employer.

3. Streamlined processes increase productivity

Many businesses have employees who are often asked to perform tasks unrelated to their position or qualifications. Customized jobs address this challenge head-on by taking these tasks and unifying them into a concentrated role. Our experience has shown that when companies identify and address the gaps in staffing, productivity increases across the board. Team members with specialized skills can focus on their areas of expertise, and customized positions can streamline a multitude of tasks that fall outside of a specialized role’s scope of work.

4. Enhances company culture

As in any work environment, a company’s workforce provides natural supports on the job. This may include having fellow employees who help new team members acclimate and learn the best way to do their job, or a company that promotes a collegial atmosphere where it’s OK to ask questions. Companies that develop cultures where natural supports are encouraged for all employees, not just people with disabilities, create a work environment where people can learn from one another and thrive.

5. Improves competitive advantage

Research by the World Economic Forum found that companies embracing best practices for employing and supporting people with disabilities in their workforce are also outperforming their peers and achieving tangible financial benefits. A separate study by the Job Accommodation Network revealed 60% of workplace accommodations can be made for free, while the remaining cost is $500 per employee, on average. Beyond the economic impact, customers are more inclined to patronize businesses that they feel are invested in their communities. Penn-Mar loves to spread the word about our customized employers’ investment in our community by sharing their stories on our website, social media, and through local media appearances.