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Meet Wojciech, an experienced financial reporting specialist from Poland, who is breaking stigmas about physical disabilities: his successful career path proves this. Personal determination, supported by easy, low-effort and high-impact reasonable accommodations or adjustments were his key to professional development. Read on to learn how Wojciech continuously excels at work and actively advocates for disability inclusion.

I studied economics in Poland and abroad, focusing on international business and then later completed postgraduate studies in managerial accounting. I ran my own business and worked for various local companies for over a decade outside the corporate world. My career was abruptly halted by a motorcycle accident resulting in a rare Hawkins type III fracture of my right talus bone. Despite two surgeries, the prognosis for bone survival was poor and the surrounding joints were destroyed.

I remember exactly the moment. Surprisingly, it wasn’t at the hospital or doctor’s office. I was in a wheelchair, pausing to catch a breath in the middle of the city, when I read an article on my phone from a reputable US medical journal on the types and prognosis of bone fractures. It stated that Hawkins’ Type III fractures statistically have a 0% chance of full recovery. Yes, zero! Reading that under-knee limb amputation is a viable option, giving a chance to better mobility, I found myself exactly in the middle between giving up and doing everything possible to prove the statistics wrong. Choosing to fight became my only valid option.

I spent two years in constant physiotherapy and then began a regular exercise routine, embracing a healthy lifestyle. After six months in a wheelchair and five years using two crutches, walking with a stick finally became possible. Though slippery and uneven surfaces remain challenging and my walking range is limited, my mobility has improved substantially.

Yes. After partial recovery I had to reevaluate my career goals and find a stable job in a company that offered a rewarding role and opportunities for growth, where I could contribute my skills and expertise in an accessible office and inclusive culture. The aim was to find a workplace that truly values performance instead of feeling judged because of my disability.

Having an economic studies diploma, finance seemed to be a clear choice, but I had to fight with my own bias. Starting a new career, together with young graduates and being significantly less mobile, was a challenging prospect for me. I got my first job at another bank shortly after transitioning from a wheelchair to using crutches. The recruitment process was generally conducted professionally. However, the office was quite far from the bus stop, and the lobby floor was extremely slippery – something you never think about unless you have a mobility impairment. Overall, it was a good start, and I stayed there for two and a half years. But after some time, I began looking for an employer that offered a more accessible workplace and better growth opportunities.

Looking for new job wasn’t easy. In-person interviews usually ‘ended’ in the first few minutes once recruiters realized that my health condition wasn’t a temporary situation, but a permanent physical disability. Each meeting brought disappointment, because everyone saw the crutches and my skills were somewhere behind them. When I applied to ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ everything changed. It was the first time I felt treated professionally with an inclusive approach throughout all in-person and video interviews, with my knowledge and skills being recognized and valued. I got the job and it’s been exactly eight years since I started here.

My journey at ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ started in 2017 in a junior position within the Group External Reporting team. From day one the office accessibility was a positive surprise. It was a really comfortable and safe space where the daily accommodations I needed were easily provided. Based on previous experience, I was apprehensive to ask for simple things like wearing black sneakers at work – the only shoes I could comfortably wear at that time. My stress was completely unfounded.

My manager and colleagues always looked beyond my disability, didn’t pretend that it’s not there, but also never made me feel that it’s a ‘problem’. When you walk with two crutches, you have to use both hands and every friendly person who carries your cup of coffee to the desk is a huge support. It’s a great experience to have colleagues that care.

My performance was quickly recognized along with a development path. In 2022, I was already a senior expert in the team, having significant responsibilities and exposure to all levels of the organization, including divisional chief financial officers, financial controllers and senior managers. Currently, as a Senior Financial Reporting Specialist in the Group and Entity Accounting & Controlling team, I coordinate the production of several internal controlling and accounting reports. Being part of a global team gives me the opportunity to work with team members and stakeholders from Switzerland, the UK, the US, India, and Poland on a daily basis. The complexity of this role requires various skills from project management and communications to technical and financial expertise. I’m continuously developing my skills, currently obtaining the ACCA professional accounting qualification, partially through the university where I started my higher education over 20 years ago.

My disability doesn’t impact my productivity. With team members and stakeholders located in different regions around the globe, all my meetings are online, so I don’t need to rush from one conference room to another. With flexible working arrangements, I work only one day per week in the office, which greatly increases my comfort and minimizes my step count. 

You actively advocate for disability inclusion and are a member of the ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Ability employee network in Poland. How do you feel this engagement impacts your colleagues and the wider community?

Our employee network raises broad awareness about different types of disabilities and supports many of the accessibility improvements our company is making to ensure the workplace is fully inclusive. From major initiatives like auditing office doors to ensure barrier-free access for wheelchair and crutch users, to smaller but meaningful changes like relocating mugs to lower kitchen drawers, I’m proud that by sharing my experience, I can make a positive difference. Most disabilities don’t affect a person’s ability to perform effectively at work, and accessibility improvements increase comfort of work for all of employees, not only colleagues with disabilities. Thanks to the close cooperation between the Ability employee network and experts from different areas of the organization like HR, health and safety or real estate, we make ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ a great place to work for everyone.

What advice would you give to individuals with disabilities who have concerns about joining a large international organization such as ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ?

My advice is to apply. From my experience, not every workplace is perfect. If you disclose your accommodation needs at the beginning, you’re staying true to you. If you experience any discomfort at the recruitment stage, this will give clarity that the company or team wasn’t the right fit for you. Keep looking and stay open to possibilities. Sooner or later, you’ll find where you belong, like I did.