How EY empowers people to rise above their disability

Applying for a job with partial work ability or with an illness that affects functional capacity can be very stressful. Even though you should not discriminate, biases and prejudices are still tight in some places. The jobseeker may be open and honest, but at the same time feel fearful of being left out when looking for a job.

I had a great recruitment experience at EY. I applied for a full-time position, even though I knew I wouldn’t be able to work the whole day. I did this as there are only very few part-time expert positions. During the interview, I spoke openly about my condition, which was well received.

Before the interview, I remember being quite nervous. Not so much about the interview itself, but about the fact that I would have to reveal my condition to the interviewers without knowing what they would think about my neurological disease. My fear was unnecessary, as I was treated with consideration and kindness. Coincidentally, one of the interviewers worked part-time themselves. This gave me hope that I, too, would have the opportunity to advance in my career despite my illness.

During the interview, we discussed the kind of support I would need in my work and the kind of working hours that I would be comfortable with. However, we focused most on the essentials, i.e., my competence and skills, as well as about myself as an employee. A couple of days later, I received a call that I had been selected and soon the contractual processes were taken of. It was a very positive experience overall, one that I still talk about to my friends and acquaintances.

If you can work part-time, I encourage you to also apply for full-time jobs and be open about your situation at the interview. You may find opportunities that would not otherwise arise. If you're the right person for the job, all other things will fall in place.

In my opinion, EY pays great care and attention to the special arrangements that people with partial work ability would require. I have not encountered any discrimination or prejudice here. On the contrary, I feel included in the work community and the atmosphere has been encouraging and accepting from the beginning. I have been open and have answered my colleagues' questions about my condition, helping break down prejudices. I should mention that the same week I started, EY organized a Disability Awareness Week, which I found very impressive!

I take a nap during the work day, if necessary, which is why I have my own pillow with me at the office. I have also set up a resting place for myself there. The Helsinki office also has a room for resting that is freely available and such facilities, I feel, are required at all workplaces.

EY has a hybrid work model that makes the world of work accessible to everyone. For me, the possibility to work remotely is very important and helps me cope as I don't burn energy every day commuting.

I hope that other organizations also realize that what is half the working hours for one employee, can correspond to the entire working hours for a person with partial work ability. In today’s work life, we shouldn’t just focus on and glorify the long working hours but instead focus on the quality of work and the employee’s competence.

Partial disability does not make an employee less valuable in any way. Being sick or working part-time due to family reasons, for example, doesn't mean you are not intelligent, talented, conscientious or even the most efficient employee in the office. 

Career advancement with partial work ability is not always self-evident, but at EY, the path is equal for all, and the work community considers each of you valuable. Those of us with disabilities have a lot to offer when we get the chance.