Ability

Ability NL

Ability NL is the network for PwC employees with a work-related challenge, their managers, and other interested parties. This network contributes to one of the strategic themes of Inclusion & Diversity: attracting and retaining people with a work-related challenge within the organisation. We aim to support new colleagues with a work-related challenge in getting off to a good start and progressing in their careers, as well as retaining colleagues who encounter such challenges during their careers.

What does PwC do for people with a work-related challenge?

All employees are, first and foremost, individuals - each with their own unique capabilities and characteristics. A disability or chronic illness may bring specific traits or highlight ‘ordinary’ ones. PwC colleagues with visual, auditory, motor, or neurodivergent challenges often excel in other (work) areas. That’s why at PwC, we seek practical solutions and opportunities to help colleagues with work-related challenges succeed. Openness and good communication are key to success. Ability is committed to opening doors, promoting (digital) accessibility, optimising hiring processes for new and existing colleagues, and raising awareness.

In 2023, we started collecting data on employment challenges, gender identity, and sexual orientation. We were already collecting data on sex and the cultural background of our colleagues. In line with CBS, we have implemented a new definition for cultural background to ensure our data remains comparable.

Most important initiatives:

• Awareness session with new colleagues. We are happy to support new colleagues with a work-related challenge for a solid start to the next step in their career. 

• Inclusive working environment, both physically and digitally. In the aid resource catalogue we have included an overview of all digital and physical tools available within PwC. 

• On International Accessibility Day and International Day for People with Disabilities we invite role models to speak and raise awareness for colleagues with a work-related challenge.

• In 2023, we have started a callout for information in the area of work-related challenges based on the UN definition*. PwC is one of the first organisations to do this. We do this in addition to a callout for information on ethnic background, gender identity and sexual orientation. We ask all our colleagues if they are willing to voluntarily share whether they have a work-related challenge. This enables us to measure whether we are truly offering equal opportunities.

*= UN definition: Persons with disabilities include those with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that may hinder their full, effective, and equal participation in society due to various barriers.