Meijer ranks high on disability equality

Meijer hits the charts and receives it first-ever recognition as a "best place to work" for disability inclusion.

The company announced that it received a top score of 100 percent on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) and, for the first time, and received the prestigious recognition as being a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion – reserved for companies that achieve a top score. Meijer was among 126 companies honored at the Disability:IN Annual Conference.

"On behalf of all Meijer team members, we are absolutely thrilled to not only achieve a top score on the DEI, but to be named as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion – a monumental achievement for our organization,” Meijer Senior Vice President of Human Resources Michael Rotelle said. I am very proud of the progress Meijer team members have made over the years to create more inclusivity and opportunities for team members with disabilities. We are humbled to be among so many fine companies that share our devotion to inclusion."

The company has also extended its disability accommodations policy to include job candidates. Now candidates have the option to request accommodations during an upcoming interview. The company expanded its team member training curriculum by adding WINDMILLS, described as a high-impact attitudinal training program that integrates disability into the spectrum of diversity awareness. The company also continues to expand its involvement in state vocational rehabilitation programs.

This is the company's second year participating in the DEI study. Last year, Meijer achieved a DEI score of 90 percent. In 2017, the company launched a new team member resource group called Meijer Disability Awareness & Advocacy Group (mDAAG). The mission of mDAAG is to advance the company's commitment to respecting and valuing diversity and inclusion by service as a resource and liaison for all team members on issues of equality.