Linking people to the future with OMRON窶冱 perspective on cutting edge technology
As you enter OMRON Dalian Co., Ltd.'s (OMD) parts production workshop, you will find an environment that is both organized and bustling. In front of us, more than ten workers in blue uniforms are diligently installing and debugging medical equipment.
From the earnestness of the work and the operational proficiency, these employees are just like any other regular workers. However, their unique physical challenges often go unnoticed.
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Located on the shore of Liaodong Bay, Jinpu New District is the first state-level new district in Northeast China and is home to many advanced manufacturing clusters. The pleasant sea breeze from the Bohai Sea makes it an enjoyable place year-round, and despite being in the industrial heartland, it retains the charm of a seaside city. As a key component of OMRON's healthcare business in China, OMD has been deeply rooted here for 31 years.
OMRON Dalian Co., Ltd.'s (OMD)
These 31 years have also marked a remarkable journey for OMRON in recruiting and supporting the development of people with disabilities in Dalian.
Reflecting on the company's initial plan to hire disabled individuals, Mr. Wang Dengkui, Director and General Manager of OMRON Dalian Co., Ltd., remarked that OMRON has always closely linked its development with the needs of the local community. This coastal city's inherent warmth is perfectly aligned with OMRON's mission statement, "to improve lives and contribute to a better society." At that time, Dalian was also running initiatives to support those with impairments. Seizing the opportunity, OMD focused on employing local disabled individuals.
"A person's employment is the cornerstone of their livelihood. Assisting individuals with disabilities in obtaining work not only significantly enhances their quality of life but also helps them integrate into society and realize their own potential. This is a truly meaningful initiative; it's the responsibility of a company, and OMRON has the courage to fulfill this duty." Wang Dengkui said.
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OMD began collaborating with local organizations that support disabled individuals. As more disabled people joined OMD, the company continually enhanced its management system.
We will introduce 3 people this time, Liu Jing, Song Yun, and Tang Zhengwen, who work positively in OMD.
"We work with the belief that disabled employees can always feel warmth and care here," said Liu Jing, a senior supervisor in the parts production section who has worked at OMD for 30 years. "Before joining the company, employees with disabilities participate in training on safety, systems, corporate culture, etc., to quickly integrate into the environment. After formally joining, the company arranges jobs for them based on the principle of 'promoting their strengths and avoiding their weaknesses.' For example, for employees with speech or hearing impairments, and those who have difficulty walking, we have set up a production line where they rarely need to communicate and can complete the entire work process with just their hands. Additionally, we have established barrier-free facilities, independent restrooms, convenient access, and thoughtfully designed elevators to ensure that every employee is comfortable working here."
Liu Jing, a senior supervisor in the parts production section
OMD continuously explores and implements various initiatives to alleviate the financial pressures faced by employees with disabilities. By regularly planning and organizing engaging activities, OMD creates a supportive environment, making love and support an indispensable source of strength for these employees in their work.
In addition to support from the company, the encouragement from colleagues acts like a ray of warm sunshine, brightening their hearts. To facilitate better communication with disabled employees, Liu Jing actively learns sign language. During various company activities, she considers the challenges and risks from the perspective of disabled employees and actively coordinates solutions. She has become a sisterly figure for these employees, helping them voice their concerns and resolve issues.
Left: OMD employees taking sign language training course
Right: Liu Jing communicating with employees with sign language
Now a senior supervisor, Song Yun was one of the first disabled employees to join OMD. Reflecting on her 26 years with the company, Song remarked, "OMD is a big family full of inclusiveness and understanding. Here, I have received meticulous care and respect, and truly feel my value. It is my good fortune to have joined OMD."
Providing disabled employees with not only jobs but also careers is a belief that OMD has adhered to since it first began recruiting disabled individuals. Here, they use optimism as their pen and perseverance as their ink, striving to weave a wonderful life.
When Song Yun first joined OMD, she worked as a warehouse keeper. Despite suffering from physical dyskinesia, she has always demonstrated a spirit of self-improvement. With the company's support and training, she has continually improved her auditing skills in ISO 3 systems*1, RBA*2, AEO*3, and other Chinese and foreign standards. This dedication has allowed her to grow from an ordinary employee to an expert in her field, culminating in her promotion to her current position. Additionally, Song's talent in program directing, organizing, planning, and adapting to on-site situations has been fully developed and utilized at OMD. She has planned, organized, and directed year parties for 12 consecutive years, making outstanding contributions to the company's cultural development.
Tang Zhengwen, who joined OMD in 2017, is still considered a "newcomer." He is full of enthusiasm and energy for his work, often making people forget that he has congenital motor disorders in his left arm and leg. In 2019, Tang took on a significant challenge by participating in the research and development of a low-cost automation equipment project. He successfully solved numerous technical problems, ensured the equipment's deployment, and saved the company over 900,000 yuan, earning him the "Special Challenge Award" in an internal award of OMD for the year.
Since then, Tang has continued to improve his skills with the company's support and training, achieving significant milestones in his career. In 2021, he was honored with the title of "Jinpu Skilled Craftsman" in the second Jinpu New District selection. In 2023, he won the "Sharpness and Striving Prize" in the National Industry Vocational Skills Competition- the 7th National Disability Vocational Skills Competition.
"I am proud of what I have achieved over the past seven years! At OMD, disabled employees like me have equal promotion and development opportunities as our able-bodied colleagues. This motivates us to strive for greater success in our work." Tang said.
Tang Zhengwen and the certification of the "Jinpu Skilled Craftsman" that he received in2021
*1 Including systems for product quality management, occupational health and safety management, and environmental management.
*2 Responsible Business Alliance. OMD has been awarded the highest level of RBA, Platinum Certification, at the 2022 Annual Review.
*3 Authorized Economic Operator. It certifies that an economic operator has met certain standards about safety and security systems to manage commercial records
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Under this inclusive and encouraging culture, all employees with disabilities have found their place in OMD, showcasing their full potential and contributing significantly to the company and society. OMD's support for the development of people with disabilities has been highly successful.
Since 2010, OMD has employed a total of 99 individuals with disabilities. Currently, there are 28 employees with disabilities working at OMD's production sites and offices, accounting for 1.97% of the total workforce. Importantly, all of them are experienced veterans, with three years or more of service with the company.
In recognition and encouragement of OMD's proactive stance towards employing individuals with disabilities and implementing various measures for their inclusion in the workforce, OMD was awarded the title of "National Proportional Employment Base for the Disabled" by the China Disabled Persons' Federation on June 5, 2024. This accolade places OMD among only five enterprises in Liaoning Province and three in Dalian City to receive this honor.
At the awarding ceremony, Wang Dengkui accepted the significant plaque on behalf of all OMD employees. This plaque symbolizes not only OMD's dedication to advancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities but also embodies heartfelt aspirations for improving their quality of life and fostering their integration into society. "We see this as a new beginning and are committed to continuously nurturing and expanding avenues of support and opportunities for more individuals with disabilities." said Wang.
OMD accepted the certification of the National Proportional Employment Base for the Disabled
Since its establishment in 1933, the OMRON Group has steadfastly pursued corporate social responsibility for 91 years under the corporate philosophy of "contributing to a better society". Since its inception in Dalian in 1993, OMD has inherited OMRON Group's commitment to sustainable development and has dedicated 31 years to promoting full and stable employment for local individuals with disabilities.
The passage of years underscores OMRON's unwavering dedication to social progress and continuous advancement.
Looking ahead, guided by the long-term strategic plan "Shaping the Future 2030", OMRON will persist in cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce environment. This commitment aims to empower every employee to create societal value through their professional endeavors and achieve a collective vision of societal prosperity and individual fulfillment.
