Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 24, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Red Robin Recognized for Diverse and Inclusive Hiring Practices

GREENFIELD – Ask Alex Padd what his job is at Red Robin in Greenfield, and he will run through the 10 specifics tasks assigned to him. The 21-year-old works 12 hours a week over four days, cleaning practically every aspect of the restaurant before it opens for the day.

"I like all my work," said Padd, 21, who was hired by the restaurant in March. "It's always great to be here and it's quiet, which really helps me focus on my tasks."

Padd is just one team member with a disability whom Assistant General Manager Alissa Jackson says is someone she feels honored to have the opportunity to hire. Now, because of its diverse and inclusive hiring practices that welcome individuals with disabilities into its workforce, Red Robin was recognized as an Exemplary Employer by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DWD/DVR) at an event at the restaurant's Greenfield location on Oct. 24.

The award was presented as Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed October National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Wisconsin to highlight businesses that recruit and hire people with disabilities. Last year, more than 2,000 employers created more inclusive workplaces in Wisconsin. Red Robin is one of more than 20 employers being recognized throughout the month for leading the way to building a more diverse workforce in the state.

“Red Robin is making a difference in Greenfield and serves as a great example of how local employers can meet their workforce needs while having a positive impact not only on their employees, but on their communities as well,” DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. “They demonstrate that hiring people with disabilities is not only the right thing to do, but it's good for business, too.”

The award ceremony featured remarks from DVR Business Services Consultant Sameer Bhaiji, Jackson, and Theresa Brugger, Manager of Community Employment and Connections for Goodwill Industries of Southeast Wisconsin.

All Wisconsin employers are encouraged to reach out to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to meet with a local Business Services Consultant who can connect them with a variety of free resources to help recruit and hire people with disabilities, build staff diversity, and retain well-trained employees.

DVR helped over 3,350 Wisconsin residents with disabilities find work over the past year. Individuals with a disability looking for ways to find a job, keep a job, or get a better job are encouraged to contact DVR at 800-262-0050, visit a local DVR office, or visit the DVR website.

New Job Accommodations Training

To help provide employers with educational resources to diversify their workplace and create work environments that help retain employees, and to give employees information about their rights and responsibilities in the workforce, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) has created new online accommodation trainings for employers, workers, and job seekers.

The Accommodation Training Library consists of brief, informational videos that cover topics, including hiring people with disabilities, the reasonable accommodation process, disclosing a disability, disability discrimination, and other topics related to employment law. The new accommodation training videos can be found on the DWD Career Pathways website.

The videos were created as part of a U.S. Department of Education Career Pathways Advancement (CPA) Initiative grant awarded to DVR in 2021. The CPA Initiative is allowing DVR to create resources and opportunities to support DVR consumers as they advance in their careers.

Red Robin Greenfield was presented with Gov. Tony Evers' Exemplary Employer Award on Tuesday, Oct. 24, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Pictured, from left, Market Partner Jake Sweeney, Assistant General Manager Alissa Jackson, DVR Business Services Consultant Sameer Bhaiji, General Manager Andy Smith, and Red Robin Team Member Alex Padd.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.