PGL is one of Aotearoa’s most trusted and respected names in adhesive tapes, single-use gloves, and work protective clothing. Like many businesses in today’s tight labour market, they’ve been grappling with a common problem:

“It’s hard to get staff. Especially ones that turn up and want to be there. Labour hire can be expensive and unreliable.” Yvette, PGL.

So when the opportunity arose to partner with will&able - the team at PGL saw real potential. Four will&able team members have now completed placements at their Auckland site, with one of them, John, recently accepting a permanent role.

Meet John: From will&able to PGL

John spent 20 years working at will&able. He was a steady, positive presence across many different crews and built deep friendships with his teammates. But as his commute became more difficult and the desire for change grew, he was ready for something new.

“I was ready to move on. The commute was getting too hard - up at 4am, and if the trains were down, it was really hard to get home.”

Through a work placement programme, John joined PGL’s warehouse team, helping to repack pallets, take tape off the line, and use the expandos machine (which creates cardboard packaging chips). He quickly found his place in the team.

“The new job - everyone is nice and friendly, a good team. This is fun.”

John’s positive attitude and adaptability made an impression straight away.

“He can jump onto the packing line, drive a forklift, use the expandos machine - he’s incredibly versatile,” said PGL General Manager, Yvette. “Since being here, he’s just slotted right in.”

Why PGL said yes and what they found

For PGL, the move was driven by need. Traditional labour hire solutions were falling short.

“We were behind in packing. We needed people who would actually show up and do the work. That’s what we got from will&able and more.”

The difference was immediate.

“Where the will&able staff are different is that they turn up every day early and they do an amazing job. They want to get to know everyone, they want to do a good job, they tidy up after themselves and they take real pride in their work.”

It wasn’t just the output that made an impact - it was the culture shift.

“John talks to everyone. People love talking to him because he’s happy, and he wants to be here. It’s had a really positive effect on the rest of the team. We are honestly stoked to have John”.

PGL also took the time to prepare their staff, ensuring a smooth and respectful transition.

“We did a bit of prep work so the will&able team didn’t have to deal with any negativity. That took away the fear of the unknown for a couple of people and it worked. Our team haven’t treated them any differently.”

Inclusive employment doesn’t mean compromise

One of the biggest myths about inclusive hiring is that it’s harder or more costly. PGL was clear on this point:

“No, it’s the same cost as labour hire.”

Their only advice to other employers?

“Make sure you do a proper orientation. Show them what to do, check in with them, and talk to your staff first about why it matters.

What does PGL say to other companies thinking about inclusive employment?

“Do it! They are great workers, great people and have they have a positive impact on the team. I don’t understand why more companies don’t do it”.

For John, work means confidence and connection

“It wasn’t scary to leave after 20 years. I felt ready. It was exciting. Everyone welcomed us. I feel better, more confident in myself - that I can do it.”

He’s hopeful he’ll soon be using his forklift licence in his new role and is enjoying having new variety and new responsibilities.

will&able is scaling up: A new inclusive employment programme is coming

This partnership with PGL is part of a bigger picture. will&able is committed to creating real employment pathways beyond our own doors and thanks to a recent Innovation Grant from the Ministry of Social Development, we’re now developing a formal programme to help more of our team transition into inclusive employment.

This new programme will focus on:

• Skills development and job-readiness
• Employer onboarding and workplace preparation
• Wraparound support for both the employee and the business
• Creating more partnerships like the one with PGL - where everyone wins

Want to be part of it?

We’re actively looking for more employers to join us in building pathways that matter – for our people who are willing and able, but often overlooked.

If your workplace is open to inclusive employment placements, we’d love to talk.

Contact us at hr@willandable.co.nz
Let’s create more jobs that change lives - one opportunity at a time.