Talent

Hats Off to SAP for Seeing Innovation in Autism

May 21, 2013

By announcing that they are hiring people for their skills and what they can contribute to the company, they have forever changed the perception of knowledge

Adrienne Selko Blog

An on-going discussion I seem to have with millennial-aged people is whether or not businesses are socially responsible.

After having interviewed many manufacturers, I can safely say that many are good caretakers of both the environment and their employees.

But today's news from SAP that over the next several years they will hire a large number of people with autism as software testers and programmers, I realize that companies can also create social awareness.

By announcing that they are hiring people for their skills and what they can contribute to the company, they have forever changed the perception of knowledge.

And to declare that "Only by employing people who think differently and spark innovation will SAP be prepared to handle the challenges of the 21st century," elevates individual abilities, not disabilities, to a new level.

My hat is off to SAP for proving to my millennial friends that businesses are able to not only address social issues but to set a gold standard.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

Follow Adrienne on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Call: 216-931-9235

Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.