Annual Tokens

This is the time of year when annual workplace awards are given to better-performing employees. Usually, these tokens of appreciation consist of a certificate or plaque for the recipient's cubicle wall, along with a gift card or free lunch or something like that.

Someone may suggest giving an award to the autistic guy who works in the mailroom, or the data entry clerk who uses a wheelchair, or some other low-level employee who is seen as bravely accomplishing all that he or she can do despite having a disability.

Other folks are likely to agree enthusiastically with that suggestion and go around patting themselves on the back for quite some time afterward for being such kind, generous, and enlightened people.

This is what I have to say to anyone who has that attitude: Sorry to interrupt your halo-fitting session, friend, but you ought to think about why there are only one or two workers in your office who have disclosed a disability. (Hint: No, that's not the ratio in the general population. Really.)

And then you may want to consider giving the token autistic guy in the mailroom something different this year—like a chance for meaningful career advancement.