Angel workers take center stage in KFC hiring plan

After two weeks of training, they take up full-time positions.

"We slow down the tempo a bit and show more patience," said Ding. "But all our staff can do the job."

Parents of angel workers visit the restaurants on a fairly regular basis to find out how their children are getting on.

"They hope we do not spoil their children with special care, and that we treat them the same way as our other staff," said Ding.

At team building events, angel workers and parents are invited to activities such as barbecues and karaoke sessions.

"I was surprised to see the musing sign language but I got used to it after a while," said Kong, who works around the restaurant and gave only a family name.

"But I think it is good to help people with disabilities find a job. We should all be equal."

Gao, who is a frequent diner at the restaurant, was quick to praise KFC for showing "social responsibility".

"This makes the restaurant special," said Gao, who just gave a family name. "By doing this, it intends to tell customers that it is not just about profitability but also corporate responsibility."

Social workers from special schools also visit KFC employees to see how they are getting on.

Some angel workers also return to their old schools to share their work experiences.

On May 21, KFC restaurants in Guangzhou arranged a breakfast and art event for people with disabilities, white collar workers and volunteers to promote integration.

"I took orders through a writing board," said Shi Ruidu, who has a hearing impairment problem. "When clients knew we were angel workers, they treated us with friendliness. We returned the compliment with sincere smiles."

Shi has worked in various positions at the restaurant and is now a team leader responsible for staffing.

Huang Zehui contributed to this story. Contact the writer at liwenfang@chinadaily.com.cn

liwenfang@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 06/01/2017 page18)