As businesses continue to grapple with labor shortages, the need for innovative staffing solutions is more critical than ever. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, June 2024 found 8.5 million job openings but only 6.5 million unemployed workers. Frontline roles remain the hardest to fill—with the hospitality and food industries seeing the least number of applicants and especially high turnover. To remedy this, some savvy companies are turning to a particularly innovative employment model: work groups comprised of employees with disabilities.
How The Work Group Model . . . Works
“Work groups are made up of three employees with disabilities and one employment coach,” said Melissa Sweet, Workforce Inclusion Manager at PRIDE Industries. “They’re placed at businesses based on staffing needs, and we remain the employer of record.”
What this means is that PRIDE Industries handles recruiting, hiring, training, payroll, supervision, and quality control. This approach significantly reduces management overhead for the partnering business. Additionally, the program can be customized for specific roles, offering flexible, scalable solutions. The pre-employment preparation process and on-the-job support ensure a workforce that’s skilled, safe, and eager.
“This is an employment-ready workforce that wants to be there,” said PRIDE Industries Director of Workforce Inclusion, David Cuevas. “And they’re the most hard-working, dedicated employees you’re going to find.”
The work group model serves employees, too. Candidates are matched with living-wage jobs based on their career goals and interests. Once on the job, they experience the camaraderie of being part of a group and the ongoing support of their job coach.
“It’s an innovative staffing solution that works for everyone involved,” said Cuevas.
Its business benefits include:
- Pre-screened, qualified applicants.
- Flexibility to tailor and scale to various shifts, schedules, and seasons.
- Onsite supervision by a trained employment coach.
- Consistent staffing levels.
- Coverage of payroll, Workers’ Comp, and liability insurance.
- Option to convert work group employees to direct hires, with continued job coaching support.
PRIDE Industries, a leader in creating employment for people with disabilities, has successfully provided work groups to hundreds of businesses. Here are just a few success stories:
An Innovative Staffing Solution Pays Off at Thunder Valley Resort and Casino
At Thunder Valley’s Casino and Resort, “magic” is a word Melissa Sweet uses to describe what happens in the laundry facility. Nine work groups handle 10,000 pounds of laundry each day, keeping the resort’s 3.1 million guests in clean towels and linens.
After this luxury hotel and casino built its state-of-the-art, in-house laundry facility in 2019, they needed a dedicated workforce that could reliably handle its high work volume. They tapped PRIDE Industries and, five years later, couldn’t be happier.
“It’s a great workforce,” said Brant Kelly, Director of Hotel Operations. “It’s been nothing but a pleasure to work with them.”
The work groups have done such a stellar job that Laundry Manager Khawar Qureshi dubbed them an “elite laundry team,” calling on others to “step up and learn” from them.
“It’s paid off very, very well,” said Joel Moore, VP of Operations.
So well, in fact, that Thunder Valley recently took on a new work group to wash and detail its vehicle fleet—including limos that shuttle rockstars (Ringo Starr being just one) to the resort’s concert venue.
Imperial Beach Kept Beautiful, Thanks to Work Groups
People with disabilities have been keeping San Diego’s Imperial Beach beautiful for 25 years—noticeably so. In 2023, The City of Imperial Beach City Council formally recognized PRIDE Industries work group employees for a job continuously well done.
“The community loves the work they do each day,” said Tony Reyes, Lead Maintenance Worker for The City of Imperial Beach. “They’re outgoing. They’re always energized, and they love to work.”
The work groups assist in maintaining the beaches, parks, pathways, common areas, and restrooms—clearing away trash and debris.
“They work harder than people who don’t have a disability,” said Reyes. “They’re always here ready to work. They never miss days. We’ve had people who don’t want to work. These team members are always working and happy to do it.”
Cassandra Silva, PRIDE Industries Employment Coach Assistant Manager, agreed. “It’s great to see the smiles on their faces and the impact they have in the community,” she said. “It’s one of the cleanest beaches around.”
Employment Coach Jenna Clark loves the positivity she finds each day at work. “They’re all wonderful,” she said of the employees she coaches. “They work so hard, and it’s nice seeing the city acknowledge them by name as they’re walking around.”
“I don’t understand why anybody would not want to hire them,” added Reyes. “You don’t have to pamper them. They’re regular people. They love to work. Just give them a chance.”
Work Groups Package World Renowned Golf Clubs
At golf manufacturer Acushnet, parent of Titleist and FootJoy brands, people with disabilities build packages for thousands of products every day.
“They are the most can-do group I’ve ever been around, and they elevate the attitudes of everyone around them,” Director of Manufacturing Doug Jacot said.
They’re the hardest workers you’re going to find,” adds Employment Coach Elizabeth Val Verde. “They’re not going to have any attendance issues. They’re going to be there bright and early, ready to work.”
At a previous employer, Jacot had witnessed the same magic people with disabilities bring to businesses that employ them noted by Melissa Sweet—which is why, when Acushnet was looking for help, he called PRIDE Industries.
“They’re happy to be here,” he said. “If I could have a hundred of them, I would.”
Stats Underscore the Work Group Model’s Success
For anyone who’s seen work groups in action, the success isn’t surprising. Numbers-wise, companies that actively include people with disabilities enjoy proven outcomes:
- Higher retention rates: Employees with disabilities tend to have higher retention rates and lower absenteeism, a significant advantage in today’s high-turnover climate.
- Boosted company morale: The presence of employees with disabilities enhances overall company morale. Inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging for all employees.
- Consumer appeal: A 2018 study by Accenture found that 62 percent of consumers globally prefer to buy goods and services from companies that “stand for something bigger.” Businesses that employ people with disabilities resonate with this growing consumer preference.
- Improved financial performance: According to Accenture, companies that employ people with disabilities see better bottom lines, with 1.6 times more revenue, 2.6 times more net income, and 2 times more economic profit than peer organizations.
Innovative staffing solutions have become a necessity in today’s business climate—especially when it comes to filling frontline roles. The work group model offers a proven solution—one that companies large and small are enjoying every day.
