Kusum Gaur is a Recruiting Program Specialist in the Global Talent Acquisition team and joined Expedia Group in 2021. Based in the Gurgaon, India, office, Kusum has enjoyed her time at Expedia Group so far and finds true value in being a part of the Ability Inclusion Movement (AIM). As a parent to an autistic child, Kusum shares in this blog about how Expedia Group supports her in making some of the complexities of work and home life more manageable, and what it’s like to be a part of AIM.

Kusum Gaur, Recruiting Program Specialist

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About my team and role

I’m Kusum Gaur and I’m part of the Global Talent Acquisition team where I work as Recruiting Program Specialist. I’m based in Gurgaon, India, and I support recruitment coordination in Asia Pacific, which includes managing the scheduling of interviews between candidates and interviewers and ensuring that the process moves forward smoothly. I contribute significantly to the candidate experience by keeping them informed as well as feel valued, and supported throughout the hiring process. My team allows recruiters and hiring managers to focus on evaluating candidates and making informed hiring decisions.

Recruitment coordination involves a blend of organization, communication, and problem-solving skills. I enjoy seeing how these skills come together to create a smooth and efficient process for both candidates and hiring teams. Plus, being able to assist in ensuring candidates have a positive experience throughout their interactions with EG is fulfilling, knowing that I’m playing a part in helping to find the right talent to drive success.

Why Expedia Group is a unique and exciting place to work

Expedia Group values diversity and inclusion in its workforce. It promotes an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. It also supports the continuous learning and development of its employees, providing resources and opportunities for skill-building and career growth, encouraging employees to pursue their goals.

How Expedia Group supports me as a parent

As a parent to an autistic child, navigating the complexities of work and home life can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, I’ve found tremendous support from EG that has made this journey more manageable and rewarding. Here are a few examples of the support:

• One of the most valuable forms of support EG offers is flexible work arrangements. Whether it’s adjusting my work hours to accommodate appointments or working remotely, EG understands the importance of flexibility for parents of children with special needs.
  
  
• EG’s comprehensive health and wellness benefits extend to dependents, including coverage for therapies and interventions that may benefit my child. Knowing that my child’s needs are supported by EG’s benefits gives me peace of mind and allows me to focus on both my work and my family. Some examples include the Caregiver leave benefit for a family member, which helps provide reassurance. And we also have wellness benefits to support us, such as the wellness reimbursement allowance we can use for products, and services we need.
  
  
• I’ve been fortunate to have understanding and supportive managers at EG who recognize the unique challenges I face as a parent of an autistic child. They’ve been accommodating of my needs, providing understanding and flexibility when unexpected situations arise.
  
  
• Overall, EG’s support as a parent to an autistic child goes beyond just policies and benefits; it’s rooted in a culture of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity. Knowing that I have a supportive employer behind me makes all the difference as I navigate the joys and challenges of parenting a child with special needs.

Aspects about autism that people may not know about

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive the world and interact with others. Here are some key aspects about autism:

• Autism is often referred to as a spectrum disorder because it encompasses a wide range of abilities and characteristics. Individuals with autism may experience different degrees of difficulty in social interaction, communication, and behavior. This means that no two individuals with autism are exactly alike, and each person may experience autism differently.
  
  
• Some individuals with autism have exceptional memory skills, attention to detail, and pattern recognition abilities.
  
  
• Autism is increasingly viewed through a lens of neurodiversity, which recognizes and celebrates the natural variation in human cognition and behavior, and the unique strengths and perspectives that individuals with autism bring to society.

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AIM (Ability Inclusion Movement at Expedia Group) is one of our Inclusion Business Groups (IBG) and promotes a culture where people with disabilities have a safe space, feel a sense of belonging, and can advocate for and achieve their full potential at Expedia Group. The group creates an environment where every person – regardless of disability status – is strong, safe, empowered and heard.

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Why I decided to join AIM and what I’ve learned from being a part of this group

The reason I joined AIM is a combination of my personal connection, social consciousness, and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions. Joining AIM provided me with a sense of empowerment and agency. By becoming actively involved in advocacy efforts and community initiatives, I can make a tangible difference in the lives of others and contribute to positive social change.

Being part of AIM provides opportunities to learn from individuals with diverse abilities and experiences. It fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges and barriers faced by people with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions, as well as the strengths and contributions they bring to the table. I’ve found that AIM fosters the development of supportive communities where individuals with disabilities and their allies can connect, share experiences, and provide mutual support. These communities serve as safe spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and collective action toward a more inclusive society. Through advocacy and education, participants learn how to promote inclusivity in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and social settings.

How AIM contributes to our mission: to power global travel for everyone, everywhere

AIM directly contributes to Expedia Group’s mission of “powering global travel for everyone, everywhere” in several significant ways. By advocating for accessibility and inclusion, AIM helps ensure that individuals of all abilities can fully participate in and enjoy the travel experience. This includes advocating for accessible accommodations, transportation, attractions, and activities, as well as promoting inclusive policies and practices within the travel industry. Through AIM we can help to inspire innovation and drive the development of new products and services that cater to the diverse needs of travelers. This may include features such as accessibility filters for accommodations, specialized travel guides for individuals with disabilities, and customer support tailored to neurodiverse travelers. From a perspective of how our employees can fuel our mission, we’re also piloting a neurodiversity learning course for people managers which provides foundational knowledge and a toolkit for managers on how to effectively interact with employees who are neurodiverse.

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