The Australian workforce is changing. Our economy continues to grow but our population is ageing. Some industries are experiencing a tightening labour market and, without action now, Australia could face a potential shortfall of nearly 200 000 workers over the next few years. You can help address future staffing shortfalls through the employment of people who have traditionally been under-represented in the workforce.
Strengthen YOUR business by employing people with disability
People with disability bring a range of skills, abilities and qualifications to the workplace. Many businesses already employ workers with disability because it makes good business sense:
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people with disability can have fewer accidents at work—the workers compensation costs for people with disability can be as low as four per cent of the workers compensation costs of other employees (Graffam, Shinkfield and Polzin 2002)
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people with disability can have lower absenteeism and often take less sick leave than other employees
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the costs of hiring people with disability can be significantly lower than hiring other employees—as low as 13 per cent of the cost of other employees (Graffam et al 2002)
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employing people with disability can build staff morale, raise management awareness of workplace practices and conditions, and increase customer and staff loyalty.
Help for employers and managers
Help available
Relax! You don't have to be the expert. There is help and support available if you need it.
Financial help and wages
There is financial help and wage information available when employing a person with disability.
Training and development for you and your staff
Increase your confidence and the confidence of your staff when interacting with people with disability. There are free courses available or financial assistance for eligible employers.
Before you start
You may have some questions or require additional information about the process before you start.
Recruiting new staff
Step by step information—from the recruitment process through to assisting new employees with disability.
Supporting and retaining staff
Supporting and retaining employees can save your business time and money by keeping valuable skills that may be difficult to replace.
Managing a return to work
Managing a successful return to work for an employee with disability requires some simple planning by both you and your employee.
Being a disability confident organisation
Statistics show that people with disability make up a significant portion of your staff and customer base. Are you the employer of choice for talented and skilled people with disability? Are the needs of your staff and customers with disability being met?
Case studies and success stories
Share the experiences of other employers who have employed people with disability.
Tool kits
Our tool kits, checklists and step by step guides will provide you with practical information and advice.
Post a vacancy online
Post a job vacancy on one of Australia's largest online job board—Australian JobSearch!
Not sure where to start?
The JobAccess Advisers can help you with free, confidential advice. Contact them on 1800 464 800 or online:
References
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2003, Disability, Ageing and Carers: Summary of Findings, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra.
Graffam, J, Shinkfield, A, Smith, K, and Polzin, U 2002, ‘Employer benefits and costs of employing a person with a disability’, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, pp. 251-263.