Partnering for Diverse Teams

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

As part of Ibis’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and equality, we partner with two local organizations that support training and work placement of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), the Els for Autism Foundation (2020-23) and Best Buddies International (2022-23).

We have hosted 10 participants in this program, providing more than 1,200 on-the-job training hours, and hired six of the participants once their training program was completed.

These individuals have been a great addition to the Club working in Food & Beverage, Banquet Set-Up, Culinary, Laundry, and Golf Outside Operations and can greatly contribute to any club with unique characteristics including strong attention to detail, honesty, focus, visual processing, creativity, and specialized skills. Program participants and employees have also excelled in the areas of attendance, punctuality, job tenure, and compliance to policies and procedures.

The Story of Noah: Noah was recommended to The Club at Ibis by a local culinary professor who claimed Noah was one of his best students. Noah was hired March 2021 as a Prep Cook. His enthusiasm and passion for the industry was quickly identified and he has continued to eagerly learn new skills and improve his skills. He is an exemplary employee and is loved by all his peers. In December 2022, Noah was awarded The Club at Ibis’s 2022 Employee of the Year! Noah has surpassed our expectations and has certainly won our hearts.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

The partnerships with Els for Autism and Best Buddies International provide The Club at Ibis with A SMALL CHANGE WITH A BIG IMPACT – culture of inclusivity, social responsibility, diverse workforce, and increased morale.

The Club at Ibis is a training host site for the Els for Autism Work Experience (“WE”) Program. The program is designed to offer hands-on training in a real-world work environment, offering participants on the autism spectrum valuable job experience. Throughout the 10-week training program, participants perform duties in a predetermined work area, assisted by an Els for Autism job coach.

This program has been well received by all Members, some of whom have loved ones diagnosed with ASD or IDD, and others who are simply appreciative of both the opportunity provided to participants and their hard work and dedication to Ibis to deliver a great experience for our Members.