Seeds of Hope: Insights from my Trip to China

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A word to our readers in China: In light of the current coronavirus crisis, please know that we are with you every step of the way. SAP has contributed to the fight against the virus to support the SAP colleagues and everyone in China during this time. Do stay safe and stay vigilant. I wish you and all your families a healthy and a happy Chinese New Year!

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Recently, after inaugurating our new Digital Innovation Marketplace for the over 5,000  customers who visit our office space annually in Shanghai, I undertook something that I knew would stay with me for a long time: Spend the whole afternoon at an autism support center where people with autism receive training to enter the working world. 

Cognitive diversity brings unique perspectives that are vital for new ideas. SAP's Autism at Work initiative, which was launched in 2013, has been widely recognized as a leading program among companies globally. SAP now employs scores of people with autism across 120 different teams around the globe – and has a 90% retention rate of these colleagues.  

While visiting the Sprout of Hope pre-employment training program, I met with people who were learning useful skills that they can take into the world of work. I also had the chance to meet our NGO partners CAPPDR (China Association of Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities and their Relatives) and Stars & Rain, who help to provide the recruitment and on-boarding of our colleagues with autism in China. 

Despite the challenges, there’s reason for hope. And this is where it is truly fascinating to see what can be achieved with programs like these. The impact such programs have, both internally as well as outside of SAP, has been impressive. The program is active in 14 countries and 31 locations. In addition, 140+ teams participate or have participated in these programs and more than 1000 colleagues have taken part in Autism Awareness Events.  

On a more personal level, when we talk about inclusion, to me it means embracing and celebrating differences. As I sat with the students, I got a glimpse into how programs like these provide hope for families and communities. In 2019 alone, we welcomed over 50 newcomers on board – the most successful year since the inception of the Autism at Work program.  

During my afternoon at the school, I helped kick off the 2020 cohorts of two specific programs that SAP China runs to help people with autism find meaningful work: 

• SAP SCHOOL 4 Autism at Work aims to provide systematic, professional and relevant skills/courses and coaching to individuals on the spectrum who are ready to prepare for employment. The four-week courses are developed by SAP, and SAP employees have the chance to join the faculty team to provide learning opportunities in multiple cities across the country, starting with Beijing and Shanghai.  
• SAP YOUTH 4 Autism at Work is a training program for youth (age 12-15) with autism. The youth of SAP employees will be invited to provide the design and delivery of the required courses for autistic children from the perspective and language of their peers. Through the program and engagement, the aim is to seed an inclusive mindset for children and society. 

About 1% of the world’s population has autism spectrum disorder but approximately 80% of people in this group are unemployed. The starting of such innovative, breakthrough programs make a meaningful difference and pave the way for further development. It is like a ripple effect, where they benefit not only the individuals and their families, but also in productivity, innovation and employee engagement. 

Congratulations to everyone involved in these very meaningful initiatives, and thanks to the teams for arranging such a great visit for me!