New creativity for Fairfax

Terry Halvorsen, Emma Halvorsen and Allen Williams at the Fairfax Creative Spirit Launch

FAIRFAX Media in New Zealand is boosting the number of disabled people in its workplace.

The Creative Spirit program will be expanded to sites around the country after a successful four-month trial in Auckland.

Two disabled individuals have become valued Fairfax team members since joining through Creative Spirit in March.

One of them, Emma Halvorsen, assists with filing and mail delivery.

Emma’s father Terry said that since starting work at Fairfax, Emma had a noticeably renewed sense of purpose. “The job at Fairfax has given her a real sense of purpose and a sense of belonging,” he said.

Diversity in employment is important to the media company, according to Fairfax NZ chief executive Allen Williams.

“[It] is a perfect fit for our business, as it not only allows us to expand our already significant corporate responsibility efforts, but also enhances our staff morale and office culture,” he said.

“The beauty of Creative Spirit is that it is a very collaborative, simple process to get the participants into work. Aside from a willingness to make it happen, very little is required from the organisation.”

Mr Williams also encouraged all workplaces to try the program.

More than 50 organisations have signed up to the Creative Spirit program developed by advertising agency Droga5.