Supply chain leader is organization's first full-scale hiring
program partner in the logistics industry
FORT
SMITH, Ark., Oct. 20,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ArcBest® (Nasdaq:
ARCB), a leader in supply chain logistics, today announced a new
partnership with Integrate Autism Employment Advisors — a
non-profit organization that collaborates with companies to
identify, recruit and retain professionals on the autism spectrum —
to foster a neuroinclusive workforce and continue attracting the
best talent with unique skill sets. ArcBest is Integrate's first
full-scale hiring program partner in the logistics industry. This
partnership demonstrates ArcBest's commitment to advancing
diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to create a
workplace where we embrace and encourage diverse experiences and
perspectives.
"Our people are at the heart of our success, and we care about
attracting, hiring and retaining the right people for the right
jobs — including those who are on the autism spectrum," said
Erin Gattis, ArcBest's chief human
resources officer. "Our partnership with Integrate is a step in the
right direction to continue learning about workplace neurodiversity
so that we can create a more inclusive working environment where
all individuals can succeed. We hope our efforts will encourage
others in the industry to do the same."
According to Integrate, approximately 35 percent of individuals
on the autism spectrum go to college, but the current
under/unemployment rate for this population is between 75 percent
and 85 percent. ArcBest has set an initial goal to hire five
employees through the Integrate program in 2023.
This partnership also serves as a foundation for ArcBest to
review and enhance its job descriptions and existing recruiting,
interviewing, hiring and retaining processes — ensuring they are
autism-friendly and supportive of all current and new
neurodivergent employees.
"When it comes to the workplace, job descriptions are often the
first barrier to entry," said Tracy
Powell-Rudy, vice president of corporate engagement at
Integrate. "For example, entry-level descriptions that call for
excellent oral and communication skills or leadership potential
often put off potential applicants who may struggle with
interpersonal skills. Many on the spectrum often take things
literally so that if they don't have one skill out of 10 listed in
a job post, they won't apply, thinking themselves unqualified.
Integrate works with employers to craft neuroinclusive job
descriptions so qualified neurodivergent candidates will not
self-select out of applying."
ArcBest joins other corporations like JP Morgan Chase & Co.,
SAP, Ernst & Young and Microsoft in searching for professionals
with autism to hire.
ABOUT ARCBEST
ArcBest® (Nasdaq: ARCB) is a multibillion-dollar
integrated logistics company that helps keep the global supply
chain moving. Founded in 1923 and now with over 15,000 employees
across more than 250 campuses and service centers, the company is a
logistics powerhouse, fueled by the simple notion of finding a way
to get the job done. Through innovative thinking, agility and
trust, ArcBest leverages its full suite of shipping and logistics
solutions to meet customers' critical needs, each and every day.
For more information, visit arcb.com.
ABOUT INTEGRATE
With more than a decade of experience, Integrate helps employers
hire professionals on the autism spectrum and with other
neurodivergent conditions. Integrate provides a full suite of
services including assessment, training and education, sourcing of
work ready candidates and on-boarding support to ensure a
neuroinclusive work environment. Matching autistic talent with
autism-friendly employers allows for employers to see success at
work.
Media Contact: Autumnn
Mahar
Email: amahar@arcb.com
Phone: 479-494-8221
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SOURCE ArcBest