Managing Human Resources-DB 1 - Essay Example

Managing Human Resources: Disability Case for NL&C There are two ways to regard a company’s policies and actions towards people with disabilities: either to (1) attempt to meet the requirements of the Americans for Disabilities Act, or (2) to take the hiring and promotion of workers with disabilities as an opportunity to find and motivate an under-used employee pool. The case of Sears demonstrates a clear migration from the first to the second motivation (Annenberg Foundation, 1994). Sears has understood the needs of its employees, and made a disabilities-friendly environment.

As a result, Sears has been able to find new, motivated employees:Mott, Shorser, Sprecher, and Stephen believe that Sears has demonstrated a commitment to fostering independence for people with disabilities. "There are no restrictions. They dont hold you back; Ive had four promotions in five years. (Annenberg Foundation, 1994).The federal laws related to disabilities fall into a few major categories (EEOC, 2007):1. People who have a disability are impaired in their daily ‘major activities.

’ This can represent difficulties in mobility, sight, hearing and a number of other areas. It does not include alcohol or drug impairment, however.2. Employers must make reasonable accommodation—in this paper, the author argues that this is both easier and more desireable than in the past.3. The employer is not required to make an accommodation which causes “undue hardship.”HR can be regarded as a legal watchdog in an organization—insuring that people observe the rules and don’t cross any legal boundaries, or it can serve as a source to find, motivate and promote the best class of employees for the company.

The ADA compliance story at NL&C is not one of legal problems—the employees interviewed felt that they were fairly treated. Rather, it is a question of finding a group of people who can be motivated to perform above-average work and therefore lift the results of the company.Whereas it was difficult to provide aids for the handicapped in the past, new technologies have made it possible for NL&C, along with all other companies, to bring specific technology to bear at little additional cost.

Some of these improvements include:1. Special large-screen print for those who are visually impaired.2. Verbalization programs which are now part of the Macintosh and Windows operating programs3. Special printers which can print Braille (Washington University, n.d.).In addition, jobs are now being created or redefined in a way that makes it easier and less expensive to make accommodations for the handicapped. Telecommuting, telemarketing and telephone customer service are now much easier to implement as the tools become ubiquitous.

Those employees with difficulty in movement, driving or needs to stay close to a home support system are now able to participate fully in the work environment, and even to communicate with their colleagues with their ‘virtual’ presence.BibliographyAnnenberg Foundation. (1994). Communicating the Americans with Disabilities Act. Washington: Annenberg Foundation.EEOC. (2007). Federal Laws Prohibiting Job Discrimination. Retrieved August 26, 2007, from EEOC: http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/qanda.htmlWashington University. (n.d.). Working Together: People with Disabilities and Computer Technology.

Retrieved August 26, 2007, from washington university: http://www.washington.edu/doit/Video/wt_dis.html