3M Corporate Commitment and Mentoring
Inspiration and Coaching Empower 3M Employees with Disabilities.

3M is committed to promoting an inclusive work environment that strives to mirror the diversity of our marketplace. There is an understanding at all levels in the company that 3M values employees for their individual contributions and appreciates the ways that employees differ from one another.
This environment is supported by 3M’s Policies on Diversity in the Workplace, The Human Resource Advisory Committee on Diversity, 3M Affirmative Action Statement Concerning Individuals with Disabilities and the 3M Disability Advisory Committee.
The success of 3M over the years is due, in large part, to the dedication, skill and effort of our employees – all over the world. Our culture has always emphasized integrity and fairness alongside innovation and excellence. We will continue to place importance on the development of the people who help create the company’s success.
3M has received recognition and numerous awards stemming from our support for employees with disabilities and for going “above and beyond in enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.” But more than anything, the greatest benefits to all are the ongoing relationships, support and productivity that results from people supporting each other in the work environment.

The 3M experience is best told by example.

Three 3M employees with developmental disabilities learned several years ago that their department's services were being outsourced. Instead of transferring to the outside vendor, they decided to find new jobs within 3M. They have found personal and professional satisfaction in their new jobs, and their supervisor and the company are finding the experience very rewarding, too.
The three men now work for Bill Junkman, auditorium administrator for 3M’s Media Resources and Technology unit, who had never before worked with employees with developmental disabilities. Among their tasks are setting up conference rooms and providing related services for about 450 meetings, banquets and vendor displays at 3M Center each year, for thousands of employees and guests.
The success of the employees and the department are due in part to Junkman's inspiration and coaching. He set up a Coach’s Corner where he mentors the employees, for example, with computer training videos, stopping and starting as needed while they learn skills required for their jobs. He has also created a Wall of Motivation with uplifting “can do” messages for employees. In addition, he convinced the 3M Foundation to sponsor a video produced by the Minnesota Association of People in Supported Employment that features the 3M story. The video was created as an example for other companies on what can be accomplished.
All three men have adjusted very well to the transition and are thriving, according to Junkman. "They have so much potential and they're so eager to learn," he said, adding that one employee was awarded a certificate for outstanding accomplishment and hard work by East Suburban Resources Inc., the job counseling agency that works with him. That organization also recognized 3M with an award for its leadership and commitment in supporting diversity in the workplace by employing people with developmental disabilities. Junkman’s efforts recently earned another award for 3M -- Arc Minnesota’s Employer of the Year award. Arc provides advocacy and support for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The award honors employers who promote or support community-based employment. The awards committee was very impressed with the working relationship at 3M and the type of employment the company offered the three men. "The workers at 3M truly have jobs with dignity," Mike Gude, Arc Minnesota, said.