Employers may overlook great employees because of common misconceptions surrounding people living with a disability. We are here to dispel the most common myths you might have about hiring a person living with a disability, injury or health condition, and share the benefits of creating an inclusive work environment.
Of all Australians, 1 in 5 live with some form of disability. A significant number of these people – about 2.1 million – are of working age, with the vast majority able and wanting to work. Studies show people living with disability are great assets to their employers and bring benefits way beyond simply filling a job.
Learn how employer, Wiseways, is supporting Disability Employment Services clients in their workplace.
Here are 5 common myths:
- It’s too expensive to accommodate people living with disability
Some employers feel that employing people living with disability could result in increased costs as they make workplace adjustments to accommodate them.
While many people living with disability don’t require any additional adjustments, for those who do need support, approximately 60% of workplace adjustments are no or low cost and some changes, such as flexible working hours, involve no cost at all!
People living with disability, injury or health condition, employers and service providers may also be eligible to receive financial assistance to cover workplace adjustments through the Australian Government’s Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).
Modifications such as sit stand desks or non-slip work mats, for example, which might have a cost associated are generally an improvement for everyone in the business, not just those living with disability. According to Job Accesses recent research, employers are saving up to $40 for every dollar invested in workplace adjustments.
Read an example of how employer partner VB Store purchased new forklifts that better support team members with physical disabilities but also support all employees who use them.
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People living with disability don’t apply for the roles I have
People living with disability have twice the unemployment rate of people in the general community. If they aren’t applying for jobs with your organisation, look into your recruitment practices, such as inclusive job descriptions.
More likely however is that you are hiring people living with disability without having any awareness of their condition. With one in five Australian’s currently living with mental health conditions, 20% of our workforce will potentially be living with an invisible disability they may not have shared.
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Employees living with disability have a high turnover rate
Job Access recently reported that employees with disability stay on the job four months longer on average than those without disability.
This is especially true when our clients find supportive employers who help them to succeed, such as client Josh who was supported him to reach his full potential, and Jessie who has been working in her hospitality role for two years.
Hiring people living with disability may also support with retention rates across your business, as inclusive workplaces are likely to be more engaged, motivated, and productive, with employees staying with an inclusive business for longer.
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Productivity for people living with disability is lower
Some employers may have preconceived beliefs about the productivity of people living with disability, however there is little supportive evidence to say this is accurate.
There are many benefits to employing people living with diversity as they bring unique perspectives to the workplace. A workforce that reflects the diversity of the wider community may also lead to greater customer loyalty and satisfaction across industries. A workforce that reflects your customer base, creates a better connection with your end client.
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Employees living with disability won’t fit in or get along with others
Discrimination remains very real. Studies show some employers do not employ people with disability, due to outdated stereotypes and notions of disability that are incorrect.
There is a common misconception that co-workers are not comfortable working with people with disability and that people with disability have trouble getting along with others on the job.
In today’s market, there is also a definite competitive advantage associated with hiring people with disability by positively impacting workplace culture through diversity and inclusivity and creating a positive client-facing image.
Building an inclusive workforce is the future of work
We connect people who need extra support to secure employment with employers who need eager and job-ready employees. We believe work’s for everyone and we all have strengths we can bring to work. For an employer, this means we are experts at finding candidates with the right attitude, skills and abilities for your position. For an employee, this means we can help them realise their potential and find a job that makes the most of their skills. A whole-hearted approach to recruitment.
Get in touch with one of atWork Australia’s employment specialist today, to discuss how we can support your recruitment needs.