DXC Technology Joins with ANZ Banking Group for Autism Research
News Release -- April 04, 2018
Companies developing knowledge and support for mental health issues within the workplace
Melbourne, Australia, 4 April 2018 - DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) has joined with ANZ Banking Group’s Autism@Work partnership with La Trobe University on research to help autistic people succeed at work.
DXC Technology is the world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company. ANZ’s Spectrum Program adopts DXC’s highly successful Dandelion Program, an Autism@Work initiative running in Australian Federal Government departments.
A key success within DXC’s Dandelion Program has been La Trobe University’s longitudinal research into the participants’ quality of life, co-worker’s perceptions, enablers and perceived workplace challenges.
Mental health challenges and an employers’ ability to support autistic employees can be a significant barrier to long term employment and career development. Developing a knowledge and support package designed to address mental health concerns amongst employees with autism, and approaches to assist managers and coworkers navigate some of these difficulties, will make a great difference to employers who are keen to harness the unique abilities that people with autism bring into the workplace.
“This research is aimed at helping people on the spectrum to obtain long-term sustainable employment and to build thriving careers. The partnership with ANZ and La Trobe University means that world-leading research in mental health and autism can inform our understanding regarding the needs and supports for people on the spectrum within the workplace,” said Seelan Nayagam, managing director, DXC Technology Australia & New Zealand.
“Beyond matching talented individuals to areas where we need these skills, what we learn from this research will help improve the way we and other organisations shape workplaces where autistic people can find meaningful long-term work and thrive,” says Gerard Florian, Group Executive Technology, ANZ.
“Supporting autistic individuals to excel in the workplace demands more than simply understanding autism. Associated conditions like anxiety and sleep disorders can undermine success at work, and these challenges need to be understood, accommodated and supported to ensure success,” says Cheryl Dissanayake, Professor and Director of La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre.
About DXC Technology
DXC Technology (DXC: NYSE) is the world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company, helping clients harness the power of innovation to thrive on change. Created by the merger of CSC and the Enterprise Services business of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, DXC Technology serves nearly 6,000 private and public sector clients across 70 countries. The company’s technology independence, global talent and extensive partner network combine to deliver powerful next-generation IT services and solutions. DXC Technology is recognized among the best corporate citizens globally. For more information, visit www.dxc.technology.
About ANZ’s Spectrum Program
The Spectrum Program is a 3-year commitment by ANZ to recognising the talents of autistic people and shaping a workplace where they can thrive. As part of the Program a non-traditional recruitment process better suited to the needs of people on the autism spectrum was employed with a focus on cyber security and testing roles. The first group started work in February 2018 and is receiving tailored training and support to help them settle into the workplace and develop their careers within ANZ and beyond. Another key part of the Program is introducing awareness training and changing perceptions of autism at ANZ.
Contacts
- Sheila Dhillon, Director, Corporate Communications, DXC Technology - sdhillon@dxc.com
- Francesca Rizzo, Media Relations Advisor, Corporate Communications, ANZ — francesca.rizzo@anz.com
