The WorkFocus Group administers the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator Service (NDRC). This service aims to increase the number of job vacancies available to Disability Employment Services for people with disability. Big W, part of the Woolworths Group, has recently signed a Partnership Agreement with the NDRC

CHLOE: Checkout Operator, Big W

If you’re ever in Woden in Canberra, you might have the opportunity to meet one of Woolworths Limited’s latest high achievers – Chloe, a Checkout Operator from Big W. Chloe has been working for Big W for the past 8 months, having worked her way up from a supported wage scheme position to a permanent role on 100% salary, after lots of positive feedback from customers and staff alike.

Although profoundly deaf, Chloe says that what she likes most about her job is, “Communicating with customers on checkout servicing,” she also says that “(Big W) staff support gives me more skills and experience.”

Her customer service is so good that recently a customer wrote a letter to the Big W complementing Chloe on her customer service skills and ability to communicate so well with customers. This is a great outcome for Big W as Woolworths Limited recognises the value of having a diverse workforce. Recently a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with diversity employment partner, the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC) aiming to open up more positions for people with disability within the Woolworths Limited group.

Chloe mentions that she’s had lots of support from her employment consultant, Heather from Advanced Personnel as well as her colleagues at Big W, where she was awarded Best Checkout Operator. When asked how she feels about being considered a high achiever, Chloe says, “It makes me more confident to communicate with customers and staff, letting them know that I am deaf and showing them what I can do to overcome communication barriers. I have signage that says, ‘Hi my name is Chloe. I am deaf. Please speak clearly and make eye contact. Look at the transaction for your price and thank you for your understanding’.”

Chloe mentions that there are some challenges on the job, such as, “not hearing the customers and understanding what customers and staff are telling me.” Chloe can lip-read but finds it difficult with people she doesn’t know very well. Improving her communication skills has been greatly enhanced by her work at Big W, and Chloe’s next aim is to move into administration work; she’s currently undertaking a business administration course where she hopes to develop further skills.

Woolworths Limited understands that having a diverse workforce makes good business sense and working together with the NDRC, Woolworths Limited hopes to continue to create a culture of inclusion, as well as continuing to establish a workforce that reflects all potential customers and sectors of the community. Chloe’s success on the job is testament to the success of programs and policies such as this.