“I nicknamed her My Little Rose.
It’s cuter than multiple sclerosis. ”
Alice, HR Manager at Equans France
Disability and Employment: Alice’s Battle with Multiple Sclerosis
A Journey of Resilience and Courage
Alice was diagnosed with the disease at age 22, following an emotional shock. The initial symptoms left her unable to speak or move. Despite repeated episodes, she continued her career, refusing to let the disease get the better of her.
“ For years, I lived in denial. I thought I could keep going as before, but my body always ended up bringing me back to reality. ”
In 2017, a major crisis led her to leave her previous job. A few months later, she joined Equans France, hoping to find meaning in her work again while learning to cope with “Ma Petite Rose.”
Inclusion in the Workplace: A New Beginning at Equans France
Personalized support and accessible facilities
Hired in 2018, Alice discovered a supportive work environment where the value of each person’s background is recognized. When her illness flared up again in 2020, Equans France arranged for her to work part-time for medical reasons and adjusted her working conditions to protect her health.
“ These crises have taught me that I need to slow down. At Equans France, I found people who truly listened to me. They allowed me to get back on track at my own pace, without any pressure, while still contributing to the team. ”
This personalized support helped Alice regain her confidence and balance by finding a way to balance her health and her professional commitments.
Building a More Inclusive Company Together
Changing Perspectives on Invisible Disabilities
Alice is in remission and continues to drive change in HR practices at Equans France. She advocates a powerful message: having the courage to talk about one’s disability is a key step toward inclusion.
“ The more informed people are, the more open and welcoming the company becomes toward people with disabilities. ”
Her story serves as a reminder that kindness and managerial flexibility are essential drivers of sustainable inclusion. At Equans France, we remain committed to this mission: supporting each employee in their uniqueness and turning diversity into a collective strength.