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Hello Flora, can you introduce yourself ?
Hello, my name is Flora LESUEUR, I am 49 years old. I have been living in Morbihan (Brittany) for 13 years. Before that, I lived in the Val d'Oise and I was already working with SIG at that time. I do both animation and merchandising work. I also work for other companies.
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What do you think of the GIS company? ?
I really enjoy working with SIG. I appreciate its organisation. Everything is always clear, square and precise. There is always someone ready to answer us or who calls us back quickly, whether it's when we're in the field, to validate an assignment on Team Haven, for our various requests...
I also appreciate SIG's transparency and honesty. It is a company that respects the rules established by SORAP, rules that are flouted by some other companies.
My only regret about SIG is that there is less activity these days. Apart from that, for me SIG is nothing but positive and a good company.
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You recently sent us a document proving your status as a disabled worker. Can you tell us more about it ?
To talk more specifically about my disability, I am hard of hearing. My hearing has deteriorated over the years. So I had unconsciously developed the ability to read the lips of my interlocutors, both in my personal and professional life.
I was summoned to a periodic medical examination by another employer. It was the occupational physician who "slapped me on the wrist" and asked me to quickly take steps to get a hearing aid. I have been fitted with a hearing aid since March 2017 and I now communicate better with my colleagues, I need to lip-read less. Nevertheless, my recognition as a disabled worker has been pending since 21 October 2015.
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Why did you wait until February 2017 to send us your proof? ?
I only sent my proof to all my employers in February 2017 because I didn't see the point. I didn't think it would be useful for my employers and for myself. It was the occupational physician who advised me to do this.
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What was the outcome of sending your proof? ?
SIG was the only company to react quickly and positively to my proof, while I sent the same document to all my employers at the same time. My other employers either replied that they did not know what to do with it, or did not reply at all.
The person who contacted me at SIG following receipt of this receipt, Mrs Furon, gave me a very good reception: she was friendly on the phone, kind and attentive. If only everyone could react like that...!
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Do you feel that it has changed anything at SIG ?
At the moment, I can't say that being declared a disabled worker has brought me more work. My managers haven't contacted me about this, but I also know that the beginning of the year was quiet at SIG. Of course, I hope that I will have the opportunity to work more with SIG in the future.
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What is your view on disability? ?
On a personal level, disability has been part of my daily life for several years. Indeed, my cousin and my son also suffer from a disability. One is quadriplegic and the other is dyslexic and dysorthographic. They are therefore very different disabilities, which may or may not be visible. We tend to associate disability with wheelchairs, but that's not all disability is.
My view of disability has not changed since I myself was recognised as a disabled worker: whatever the disability, it is a daily struggle for the person living with it. It's complicated but you have to know how to fight, adapt and live with it as normally as possible.
On the other hand, in my opinion, disability does not give us the right to be more demanding than before or to abuse it. I consider myself to be just like everyone else and I have the same problems as everyone else. We should not take advantage of our "status" as disabled workers (e.g. parking in a disabled space when we are hard of hearing: it does not prevent us from walking). Everyone has to see what they can do, but that's how I see it.
From a professional point of view, disability should not be a taboo subject either. We are employees like everyone else. We all have a job that suits us and that is waiting for us somewhere, but we also have to know how to look for it. I have never seen or imagined disability as an obstacle to employment. I live my situation well and I don't see what difference it makes to employers.
Furthermore, for me, as a disabled worker, we should not take advantage of our "status" and use it as an excuse for everything, because this is what can then do us a disservice with employers. We must not allow ourselves to be absent without justification or to botch our work because we are disabled employees. Personally, I have never used my disability to get more work or to obtain any kind of recognition or to make people complain.
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What would you like to say to SIG employees who are recognised as disabled workers but who have not (yet) informed SIG of this? ?
If I had something to say to SIG employees who are recognised as disabled workers but who have not yet made themselves known to SIG, it would be: Don't hesitate! You should not be ashamed of your disability. SIG is a company that listens, that distinguishes itself by its human side in this world of bullies that is the retail sector. Our jobs as merchandisers and animators are not well regarded in supermarkets and we are often given negative nicknames such as "potiche", "plante verte", "bras cassé", "Cotorep"... It's every man for himself in this sector of activity and I think, on the contrary, that we should defend and support each other. You shouldn't be afraid of the way others look at you, you shouldn't close yourself off, you shouldn't isolate yourself, especially when you have a disability. You should not hesitate to turn to SIG. If you really like your job, then why not work? There is enough work for everyone, including employees who are recognised as disabled. We are just like everyone else and if we like this job and are conscientious, it will be recognised, disability or not.
If any employees would like to contact me to discuss this topic, I would be delighted to do so. You can reach me on 06 16 70 48 72.
See you soon!
Flora
A very big THANK YOU to FLORA for this very positive testimony
