Job Coach for Disabled Persons Achievement Report Meeting: Supporting each individual to become a valuable asset in the workplace

On Friday, March 20th, Pal-line Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroshi Yokoyama), the logistics arm of the Pal System Group, held an achievement report meeting at its head office for its 'job coaches' who support the employment of persons with disabilities. The meeting confirmed the practical application of creating a workplace where everyone can play an active role, providing close support to each employee at the forefront of the co-op home delivery service.

Reporting on 10 cases that foster workplace success

A 'job coach' is a staff member who supports an employee with disabilities and their colleagues to help them adapt to the workplace. Currently, Pal-line has 22 job coaches in 12 offices, providing follow-up on work tasks and workplace communication for 86 employees with disabilities. At the achievement report meeting, job coaches from 10 offices reported on practical examples of support in their respective workplaces.

Fostering the desire to 'help the company'

The Iwatsuki Center (Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture), which assembles refrigerated products and fresh produce, has 8 employees with disabilities, making up a disability employment rate of 3.89%. The center faced the challenge of chronic staff shortages, which it addressed with temporary staff, leading to low retention rates.

In response, the center asked employees with disabilities if they would be willing to extend their working hours, and two individuals volunteered, expressing a desire to 'help the company.' New tasks were created to match their specific disabilities, and they were supported for a year in their challenge to master them. Job coach Takahiro Nishimaki reported on the follow-up process that led to them becoming role models for other staff members.

Tailoring job responsibilities to individual characteristics

The Iwatsuki Fresh Produce Center (Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture), which sorts fresh produce, has 2 employees with disabilities, for a disability employment rate of 2.99%. Aiming for long-term direct employment, the center accepts trainees in collaboration with the Kasukabe Center of Wellbe Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Makoto Ota), a work transition support service.

Trainees tour the workplace in advance and are interviewed to understand their interests, tasks they find difficult, and other personal characteristics, which helps in assigning their duties. They begin with easier tasks to build confidence, and specific points of consideration are communicated to the part-time staff who work alongside them. Daily meetings to listen to any anxieties and deeper communication through daily reports helped align the workplace's expectations with the individual's own intentions, leading to direct employment. Job coach Yusuke Iida reported on this case.

Consideration for health management and daily routines

Back to Newsroom (3)