At DFI Retail Group, we foster an inclusive environment where each individual's unique needs and strengths are recognised and respected. Since 1995, 7-Eleven Hong Kong has been partnering with local NGOs to provide opportunities for differently abled individuals in an attempt to reconnect them with the community.

Abby Tian, a store manager at 7-Eleven Hong Kong, embodies our commitment to creating a supportive and empowering workplace. Her caring and approachable leadership qualities shone through when a new team member with mild intellectual impairment joined her store in June 2022 as a trainee.

Initially, Abby did face the challenge of helping her adapt to the new environment; nevertheless, with patience, clear explanations and demonstrations, Abby was able to motivate the new team member to practice various job tasks, and provided constructive feedback on performance. Through observation, Abby also noticed the new team member's physical limitations, which prevented her from standing for extended periods. Proactively, Abby offered her to sit on a stool while performing her duties.

Under Abby's guidance, the new team member made significant progress and found joy in the workplace. In just a few months, she could independently handle tasks such as displaying products, checking expiry dates and cleaning shelves. As a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, she expressed her gratitude to Abby through a beautiful drawing and a thank-you note.

Abby's positive attitude and caring nature has role-modelled inclusive leadership at the store, which is essential for cultivating an inclusive culture and driving operational success. We take pride in fostering an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive.