DHL Express Receives LiveWorkPlay Inclusive Employer Award 2025

DHL Express receives LiveWorkPlay Inclusive Employer Award 2025

Anna Nelson, Director of Employment Supports:

Our third and final private sector Inclusive Employer Award for 2025 recognizes a relationship with an employer that came to be thanks to our allies at Ready, Willing and Able, a national initiative that works with local partners to increase the labour force participation of people with an intellectual disability or on the autism spectrum. 

Back in the summer of 2023, Kelsey Ross, in her role as an RWA Labour Market Facilitator for the Ottawa Region, introduced us to this employer, and the first hire was in place by the fall, so it is very fitting that Kelsey is here tonight to help present this award. 

Within a few months, things were going so well with the first hire that the company reached out to us to see if we had any more great candidates, and by early 2024, the second hire was in place! 

Their business stands out for being fabulous communicators and the way they encourage collaborative conversation that focuses on employee strengths, support for developing new skills, and supporting long term sustainable employment. 

In addition, they have invited other jobseekers into their workplace for employment networking opportunities, which makes it possible for jobseekers to learn more about this type of workplace, the differing types of work that are possible, and to ask questions in a supportive environment. 

Please joining me in welcoming Josh Shanehsaz and Brett Woods of DHL Express, the recipient of a 2025 LiveWorkPlay Inclusive Employer Award.