Aldi has given its staff additional training surrounding hidden disabilities in a bid to offer additional assistance and support to customers and colleagues who use the Sunflower scheme.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme allows staff to help provide a better shopping experience for shoppers who may have additional needs while also creating a more inclusive workplace for colleagues.
Wearing the Sunflower lanyard allows individuals to discreetly indicate that they have a non-visible disability and may need additional assistance, kindness, or simply a little more time.
Staff at more than 970 Aldi stores across the UK have undergone training around the importance of recognising hidden disabilities and the Sunflower symbol. They can then offer additional assistance to those who may require it.
Shoppers with hidden disabilities – which include but are not limited to autism, chronic pain, mental health conditions and mobility or speech impairments – will also be able to use the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower store finder to locate their nearest Aldi store.
Aldi colleagues across all other areas of the business have also completed the training, while those who may need extra support also have the option to wear a Sunflower badge themselves.
Aldi UK diversity and inclusion director Richard Shuttleworth said: “We are committed to ensuring Aldi is as accessible and inclusive as possible – both to shop and work, which is why we are delighted to be able to further assist our customers and colleagues through our support of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.”
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower ceo Paul White said he was “delighted” that Aldi has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.
“Grocery shopping is a basic requirement but can be challenging for a variety of reasons for people with non-visible disabilities. With such a large number of stores in the UK it means that millions of Aldi customers that choose to wear the Sunflower will feel confident that they will be offered help, understanding or just more time should they need it.”
