Hourly workers are often overlooked when companies plan for their employees' growth – possibly due to the more transient nature of their roles. At Disney, however, hourly workers are in the spotlight, as they roll out a new program that aims to provide the gift of education to as many as 80,000 employees.
The Walt Disney Co. announced that they will pay full tuition for their hourly workers so that they can have a proper education, learn new skills, and evolve as individuals alongside Disney, but also if they wish to, beyond the giant entertainment company.
"I have always believed that education is the key to opportunity. It opens doors and creates new possibilities," said Bob Iger, Disney Chairman and CEO.
And indeed it does - education can pave the way to plenty more opportunities for these hourly workers. This new program, named Disney Aspire, will give employees the means to achieve their personal goals - something that Disney is known to value. The educational program is designed solely for hourly workers and will cater to cast members and employees of The Walt Disney Company, offering them a chance to finish their high school diploma, get specialized training, or even pursue a university degree,
"We can't wait to see what paths our cast members take with Disney Aspire," the company said.
Disney announced an initial $50 million investment in this new and ongoing project. The fund will be used to cover 100 percent of the tuition fee up front, along with all the required learning materials.
Jayne Parker, senior executive vice president & chief HR officer for The Walt Disney Company, says that he wants to support employees in their professional and personal careers. The important thing is to give people an opportunity to express their needs, realize their ambitions, and follow their dreams.
He also says that the program is designed to be fully flexible – employees have all the freedom in choosing what they would like to pursue, regardless of whether the programs are related to their current role at Disney.
Disney has partnered with Guild Education, an organization whose main goal is to change the future of adult education and work. The Guild is providing teachers to guide employees through the program and help them evolve from it. The first lessons will be conducted online.
With this development and employee retention technique, Disney is looking to develop their workers' potential to the point where they can become full-time employees through training and education.
This strategy isn’t new - other big corporations have made similar implementations, such as Walmart, which initiated an educational project which provides a degree from three different universities through the online program.
This opportunity presented by Disney and other big companies is a huge step for hourly workers. It gives people an opportunity to get an education that they didn't have before, a chance to evolve. A program that allows people to get a university degree while still keeping their job is a crucial step for hourly workers.
It's a smart business move, and employee retention strategy. Give people the chance to pursue their personal development, and they are more likely to work harder for the company as a means to repay that investment in their future.
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From Disney's example, we can see how big corporations and companies can help their workers. Smaller businesses can also examine this project and follow their lead by emulating what it hopes to achieve - creating a great working environment and culture where hourly employees can feel supported and nurtured, so that they are better motivated to succeed.
We hope that more companies follow the example set by Disney and Walmart, and prioritize the development of their hourly employees, especially since hourly workers provide an invaluable service to any business workforce.
Want to find out how you can do more for your hourly workers too? We’re more than willing to help address your company's ever-changing needs. Chat with us to learn more.