As our world rapidly changes, the expectations of younger generations require us to transform our perspective on life and the way we do business. New-generation consumers want to engage with brands that prioritize social responsibility and uphold strong, responsible values. One of the most important trends today is that companies are expected to be not only profit-driven entities but also organizations that are sensitive to social and environmental issues.

We are facing many challenges, ranging from global warming to income inequality and gender inequality. Even if we cannot solve these problems entirely, we can create a significant impact through small contributions. As Eker, we have focused on the employment of individuals with autism in Turkey. Inspired by a project implemented by our partner Andros in France, we launched our job coach–supported employment model titled “Autistic Individuals in the Workforce” in 2018, under the consultancy of the Tohum Autism Foundation. Through our employment model, we have demonstrated that individuals with autism can participate in production, live independently, and support their families. At the same time, we helped our employees break down prejudices toward individuals with disabilities and develop greater empathy.

Employment of individuals with disabilities is a major challenge in Turkey, and finding a job is especially difficult for individuals with autism. However, with properly planned support, these young people can work productively. The employment of individuals with autism not only transforms the lives of individuals and their families, but ultimately benefits society as a whole. Our goal is to encourage other employers to undertake similar initiatives and to guide them throughout this process. If you would also like to take such a step in your organization, we at Eker are ready to provide all the support you need. We’ve done it — now it’s your turn!