Inclusion Transforms Factories: The Nissan and Turma do Jiló Case
Discover how the partnership between Nissan and Turma do Jiló created a more inclusive and productive work environment in Resende
The Nissan Inclusion Week, an initiative by Todos Juntos (part of Turma do Jiló) in partnership with Nissan Brazil, brought a new perspective on the inclusion of people with disabilities. The project impacted the Resende factory with interactive and personalized activities. It's proof that diversity is a fact and inclusion is a transformative act.
In this article, we delve deep into Nissan Inclusion Week, a powerful initiative that united Nissan Brazil with Todos Juntos, the corporate arm of Turma do Jiló. The central objective was to go beyond social responsibility, transforming the work environment of the Resende factory, in Rio de Janeiro, into a truly welcoming, accessible, and productive space for all, with a special focus on valuing people with disabilities (PwD). A true journey towards Inclusive Education in the corporate context.
The Inclusion Landscape in Brazil and the Urgency to Act
The inclusion of people with disabilities in the job market is a crucial and, unfortunately, still challenging topic in Brazil. The data is alarming: PwD earn, on average, R$ 1,000 less than people without disabilities, and an impressive seven out of ten are outside the job market. This disparity not only reflects a social injustice but also the loss of valuable talents and perspectives for companies. Turma do Jiló, through Todos Juntos, understands that corporate engagement and Inclusive Education are fundamental pillars to reverse this situation, building a more just and equitable society where no one is left behind.
A Week of Immersion and Awareness at the Nissan Factory
Nissan Inclusion Week, strategically held during Green September — a month dedicated to awareness and advocacy for the rights of PwD — was carefully designed to engage and impact all factory employees. The activities were diverse and innovative, conceived to spark reflection, break down prejudices, and promote significant learning on the topic of inclusion:
Educational Content and Interactive Stations to Engage
The program began with easily accessible educational content snippets, addressing essential topics such as ableism, the importance of inclusion, and accessibility concepts. To deepen the experience, interactive stations were created, inviting active participation:
- Education Station: A dynamic space where informative videos and didactic banners facilitated learning about the vast range of human diversity.
- Game Station: Offered engaging digital games, developed to challenge perceptions about ableism and allow participants to playfully experience some of the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities.
- Sensory Station: Comprising mysterious boxes filled with different textures and smells, this station invited deep reflection on the diverse ways of perceiving and interacting with the world, emphasizing the richness of senses beyond sight and hearing.
Experiences That Generate Empathy and Perspective Shift
Todos Juntos' initiative went beyond the obvious, promoting small disruptions in the factory's daily routine to simulate challenges and, thereby, increase empathy and understanding among employees:
- The cafeteria menu was intentionally blurred on one of the days, inviting participants to reflect on the daily challenges faced by visually impaired individuals.
- TVs throughout the factory displayed mini-lessons on Libras (Brazilian Sign Language), encouraging the learning of a new form of communication and promoting awareness about the deaf community.
Customization: The Secret to Effective and Lasting Inclusion
One of the great differentiators of this project with Nissan, and of all the work carried out by Todos Juntos (the corporate arm of Turma do Jiló), is total customization. Each project is meticulously adapted to the specific needs and culture of the partner company or school. In Nissan's case, for example, all activities were planned to efficiently cover both factory shifts, ensuring no employee was left out. This flexible, tailor-made approach is fundamental to facilitating a genuine and effective inclusion process, in addition to helping organizations adhere more organically and significantly to the ESG agenda (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
Building a More Inclusive and Welcoming Future
Diversity is a fact, inclusion is an act. Nissan Inclusion Week is a brilliant example of how focused, well-planned, and personalized actions can generate real and positive change in the corporate environment. By creating opportunities for the development of empathy and encouraging cultural transformation, Nissan, with the specialized support of Turma do Jiló and Todos Juntos, not only fulfills a social responsibility but also reinforces its commitment to a future where the workplace is more inclusive and accessible for all people. It is proof that, when we do it all together, we all together build a better future for companies and society.