Hidden Talents That Can Transform Your Business

Hidden Talents That Can Transform Your Business

That could be the title of the meeting of responsible companies held on December 2, 2024 at the premises of Deutsche Telekom Services Europe Czech Republic in Brno, which partnered the event. We focused on building an inclusive work environment and employing people with "disabilities." The meeting was full of inspiring stories, practical advice, and proof that this approach can bring companies much more than they might initially expect.

In the Czech Republic, more than one million people live with a disability, representing about 13% of the population over the age of 15. Across the European Union, the figure reaches 100 million people. Yet, only a small portion have the chance of full employment. Only 30% of people with disabilities are employed, mostly in sheltered labor markets. What are the barriers? There is still a legacy from the previous regime associating disabilities with institutional care, persistent societal prejudices, employers’ fears that employing people with disabilities is too complicated or costly, and the substitute performance system. Although intended to improve quality of life for people with disabilities, the system allows companies to avoid actual employment of these individuals, hindering their integration into the open labor market.

Hidden Talents That Can Change Everything

Despite being overlooked in some respects, this group offers incredible opportunities for businesses. They are hidden talents who can significantly enrich teams and improve corporate culture. If their unique abilities are matched with the right roles and conditions, the results can be outstanding.

People with disabilities often demonstrate excellent work ethic, high discipline, and loyalty. They greatly appreciate the opportunity to work and have a strong motivation to prove their abilities — exactly what employers are looking for.

Diversity in the workplace also brings new perspectives, innovative solutions, and improved work processes. These individuals often have unique life experiences that enrich the workplace and boost creativity. They frequently develop a strong attention to detail and precision. Facing daily challenges has taught them to adapt effectively and find solutions even in the most difficult situations.

Our speakers confirmed these advantages. Lucia Timková from Deutsche Telekom Services Europe – Slovakia presented their journey of employing "handicapped individuals." She speaks about talents that can be highly beneficial to the company. The team atmosphere has become more open and empathetic, fostering mutual respect and understanding, as she highlights in the interview below.
She also advises that not everything needs to be prepared in advance. Take an individual approach with each employee, don’t be afraid, and proceed step-by-step. Consulting organizations specializing in the support and inclusion of people with disabilities is also very helpful.

This was confirmed by Eva Březíková from Generali Česká pojišťovna, where they strongly support employing people with disabilities. They even use motivational benefits such as additional leave to encourage employees to openly discuss any disadvantages.

INTERVIEW:

Lucia Timková, Senior HR Specialist, Deutsche Telekom Services Europe - Slovakia

• Employing people with disabilities is one of your company’s priorities. What led you to this focus?

Honestly, it was the belief that it’s not about disability, but about the ability to do things differently. People with such abilities bring unique perspectives that move us forward. However, to truly appreciate this value, one must experience it firsthand. For us, it started with a personal experience — the first step that showed us individuals who might initially seem "limited" are actually extremely capable. That moment opened our eyes.
It was important to find partners and experts (such as Profesia Lab) who helped us break down prejudices and prepare an environment where inclusion is not just a slogan, but a reality.

• What benefits has this approach brought you?

The biggest benefit is getting to know people who think and work differently. These colleagues have shown us that diversity can push the boundaries of what we consider "normal." For example, one colleague has a talent for noticing details others miss and often solves problems simply yet very effectively.
Moreover, the team atmosphere has become much more open and empathetic. Respecting diversity makes everyone feel safer and more motivated.
It also improved our communication, as we naturally learned to adapt when some colleagues needed a different working style or more time for adaptation.

• Many companies hesitate or fear hiring people with disabilities. How would you encourage them?

Within the company, I recommend finding allies who already have experience or a personal connection to the topic. They can act as ambassadors to help overcome initial fears.
Specifically, we identified suitable leaders, teams, and appropriate job opportunities.
I fully understand these fears — we had them too. That’s why it’s important not to underestimate them but to open a constructive dialogue. We realized that fear mostly stems from not knowing "what awaits us."
We found that many of our fears were unfounded. For example, we feared large investments in technology, but often small adjustments and open communication are enough.
Most importantly, be curious. Ask what the employee needs, and you’ll see that solutions are often simple.
By taking this step, you may find truly talented people who will surprise you in many ways.

Organizations That Help

Specialized organizations like Rytmus can provide concrete support to companies integrating people with disabilities. Petra Husáková, Branch Manager in Brno, showcased how such support works in practice: from mapping workplace possibilities, supporting job description creation, and mediating suitable candidates, to assisting with training and integration into new teams.

Good Sailors’ Unique Approach – A Company as Innovation

The only company in the Czech Republic fully built on employing people with disabilities is Good Sailors. Filip Molčan and Róbert Balušík presented their unique approach, showing how their employees, with their super abilities, can solve even the most demanding business challenges. Their team, composed of people with various disabilities, has delivered innovative solutions for many business partners, proving that this path is not only right but also profitable.

During the discussion, we also touched on the topic of new technologies and artificial intelligence. According to Good Sailors, these modern technologies can help people with disabilities to engage more in the labor market, find suitable jobs beyond sheltered workshops, or pursue further education.

Conclusion: Hidden Potential Waiting to Be Unleashed

We also learned about the Career Without Barriers project, presented by Jana Ruberová and Veronika Kovalčíková from the Labor Office. This project provides structured and practical support to ease the integration of people with disabilities into the open labor market. More details can be found here: https://www.karierabezbarier.cz/

People with "disabilities" can truly enrich companies. Their unique skills, flexibility, and perseverance can strengthen teams, improve the work environment, and support corporate social responsibility. Give these hidden talents a chance — and you will be amazed at what they can offer.

Epilogue:

Everyone has likely heard the name Stephen Hawking.

Stephen William Hawking (1942–2018) was a prominent English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, writer, and science popularizer.

His significant contribution to physics was connecting previously separate fields. He focused on the universe, especially black holes and the Big Bang theory.

During his university studies, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite the disease’s slow progression, he eventually became dependent on a motorized wheelchair. Nevertheless, he continued to study, write, lecture, and contribute to science.

If Stephen Hawking had been born in the Czech Republic, it’s uncertain whether, under the current conditions for people with disabilities, he could have fully developed his extraordinary talent. Broad inclusion, family support, and encouragement from the academic and scientific community enabled him to pursue his profession and enrich our world with his theories and discoveries.