Innovation

The Supported Employment Program is an initiative launched by Limona Pro (formerly Leroy Merlin) as part of their strategy for social and environmental responsibility. Since 2015, the company has focused on creating positive change through sustainable practices including responsible product offerings, decarbonization, circular economy, and social projects. This program, part of the “Reliable Partner for Society” direction, addresses the employment challenges faced by vulnerable groups, such as individuals with disabilities and orphanage graduates.

The innovation works across three stages:

1. Preparation for Employment: Participants attend workshops and training sessions to learn how to write resumes, pass interviews, and adapt to work environments. Career orientation events are held for teenagers from social care institutions.
2. Support During Employment: Limona Pro trains its teams on inclusive communication and provides tools such as ethics courses and accessibility guidelines. Webinars feature individuals with disabilities sharing their experiences.
3. Workplace Adaptation: Each employee is assigned a mentor, and tasks are tailored to their specific abilities. For instance, cashiers with hearing impairments use tablets with automated transcription systems to interact with customers.

This program is sustainable and scalable, having doubled the number of employees with disabilities to 500 in just three years. By collaborating with NGOs like “Give Me Wings,” Limona Pro ensures ongoing support for participants and creates additional job opportunities in partner organizations.

Inspiration

The inspiration for the Supported Employment Program stemmed from an internal initiative driven by employee motivation. According to Ekaterina Fokina, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Limona Pro:

"Initially, this was my personal initiative. I wanted my profession to carry a social purpose. Starting with small workshops for orphanage graduates, we realized that our company has the resources to create real opportunities for people facing employment barriers."

The idea grew as Limona Pro recognized the systemic barriers faced by vulnerable groups and the impact that businesses can make through inclusive hiring. Ekaterina further emphasized:"People don’t need fixing—they need conditions where they can thrive. This program is about removing barriers, not changing individuals. It’s about giving everyone a fair chance."

Overall impact

The Supported Employment Program has achieved significant short-term and long-term impacts.

• Employment Growth: Over three years, the program doubled the number of employees with disabilities, now representing 1% of the workforce (500 employees).
• Social Inclusion: Vulnerable groups, including orphanage graduates and individuals with disabilities, have gained stable employment, financial independence, and improved quality of life.

The program also achieved external recognition by winning the prestigious “Delo v Lyudyakh” award, underscoring its impact on society.

One of the standout successes has been the collaboration with the “Give Me Wings” foundation, where Limona Pro supported the renovation of workshops, created additional jobs for 31 individuals, and sold their handmade goods in company stores.

In the long term, this initiative sets an example for other businesses to adopt similar practices, creating a ripple effect of social and economic benefits across the country.

Business benefit

The Supported Employment Program has brought numerous benefits to Limona Pro:

• Employee Engagement and Retention: By fostering an inclusive culture, the company has strengthened team cohesion and improved employee morale. Employees are proud to work for a company that actively supports social responsibility.
• Brand Reputation: Limona Pro’s recognition through awards like “Delo v Lyudyakh” enhances its image as a socially responsible leader in the market.
• Operational Efficiency: Tailored roles and clear guidelines allow employees with disabilities to perform tasks with precision. For example, employees with autism excel in repetitive tasks such as order packaging, achieving zero error rates.

By aligning its operations with sustainability goals, Limona Pro creates long-term value while contributing to a healthier, more inclusive society.

Social and environmental benefit

The Supported Employment Program provides direct social benefits:

• Improved Employment Rates: Vulnerable groups, including 11.5 million people with disabilities in Russia and 58,000 annual orphanage graduates, gain employment opportunities and financial stability.
• Breaking Barriers: The program educates employees and reduces societal biases, fostering an inclusive work culture. Through training and awareness sessions, Limona Pro helps address common misconceptions about people with disabilities.
• Collaborative Impact: Partnerships with NGOs, such as “Give Me Wings,” create additional jobs and support local communities. For example, products made by workshop participants are now sold in Limona Pro stores, showcasing social entrepreneurship.

This program demonstrates that businesses can drive both economic growth and social equity, creating a model for other companies to follow.

Interview

Ekaterina Fokina, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Limona Pro, works in the Social and Environmental Responsibility Department.