Announcements
Accolades in Ireland: Enterprise receives two prestigious awards
Car Prep Thomas Walsh arrives early and is eager to work at one of Enterprise’s busiest branches in Dublin, Ireland. Thomas has a learning disability, but at Enterprise, the focus has always been on what he is able to do.
In part because of Thomas’ story, Enterprise was one of 50 companies in Ireland to earn a 2006 O 2Ability Award, which recognizes best practices in the employment of people with disabilities.
Also for the second year in a row, Enterprise was named one of the “50 Best Companies to Work for in Ireland” from more than 100 Irish companies with a total workforce of more than 90,000.
Celebrating ability
Thomas began working for Enterprise in 2002 with the help of Inclusive Recruitment, an organization that helps people with mental or physical disabilities find employment. He had trouble reading small print on cleaning bottles, didn’t have his driver’s license and suffered from epileptic seizures. Employees at the branch color-coded supplies, devised a manner to get vehicles to Thomas in the wash bay and helped secure an alarm for him in case of emergency. While Thomas needed flexibility, he was held to the same job standards as other employees.
“Thomas is just a part of our team. This O 2 Ability Award is humbling,” says Area Manager Bronwyn McGrath.
Inclusive Recruitment nominated Enterprise in the O 2 Ability Award’s leadership category. Ireland's Prime Minister Bertie Ahern presented the awards at Dublin Castle in a ceremony, which was televised. Details of the awards were published in The Irish Times. Despite the fanfare,Thomas just enjoys his job. “I get along with the lads I work with,” says Thomas. “The people are the best at Enterprise, I’d have to say.”
A best company to work for
Enterprise was named one of Ireland’s best companies to work for. The 2006 list of the “50 Best Companies to Work for in Ireland” was produced by the Great Place to Work Institute Ireland and Discovery Research. Survey results and company profiles were published in a supplement to the Irish Independent.
The distinction is based on two-parts – an employee survey and culture audit, which includes a management questionnaire regarding company demographics and a section that looks at the company culture. Great places to work are distinguished by the relationships employees have with management, their company and with other employees.
“These awards belong to our employees across Enterprise Ireland whose commitment has helped our company make a name as one of the most prestigious Irish businesses,” says Mike Hawkins, Vice President/General Manager in Ireland. “None of this would be possible without their hard work.”
- Rhonda Sciarra
