Barriers are just details to work around
I’ve always believed that employment is more than a pay cheque It’s about purpose, identity, community. But I never truly understood how transformative a job could be—until I hired someone others might have overlooked.
I’m a pharmacist and managing partner at Chemist Warehouse in Browns Bay Auckland. About three years ago, I partnered with PolyEmp, an organisation that connects employers with job seekers who face intellectual, cognitive, or sensory challenges. And let me be clear: without them, I might never have seen the extraordinary potential in one of my now most valued employees.
Perfect fit
PolyEmp acts as a bridge. They understand their clients deeply—their abilities, challenges, and aspirations—and they work closely with employers to find the right fit. That “fit” is everything.
Meaningful jobs, valuable lives
In our case, they matched us with someone who faced a number of everyday hurdles: cognitive challenges that made certain tasks, like working with numbers, more difficult; the need for clearer, more structured instructions; and some hearing difficulties. On paper, these might look like barriers. In reality, they were just details to adapt around.
What struck me immediately was his motivation. That’s his superpower. He shows up early. He’s reliable. He takes pride in his work. He tackles new tasks with determination. If he struggles, he asks for help. That’s all anyone could ever ask for in a colleague—and frankly, it’s more than you get from many job candidates who sail through conventional interviews.
We didn’t need to overhaul the business to accommodate him. We just made a few adjustments. A more detailed task list. Clearer communication. A little extra patience during training. These aren’t “special allowances”—they’re common-sense tweaks that should be part of any inclusive workplace.
Positive impact all around
Over time, he’s taken on far more than we initially expected. He started with a few basic tasks and now confidently handles five or six different responsibilities—some we didn’t even think to assign at first. He works independently, but knows support is there if needed. That’s what growth looks like. That’s what confidence looks like.
He’s not a token hire. He’s part of the team. We celebrate milestones together, he joins staff meetings, he contributes. He brings a sense of purpose not only to his own life, but to the rest of us too. Watching him flourish has reminded me that inclusion benefits everyone.
I’ll say this to any employer who's unsure: just have the conversation. PolyEmp never pressured me. They gave me the space to explore, to ask questions, to find the right match. Maybe the first candidate isn’t the right fit—but maybe the second is a game-changer. You won’t know unless you open the door.
