The Benefits of Hiring a worker with disability

Australia’s workforce is constantly evolving, with a common aim of accommodating our economic, environmental and social goals. Many industries are experiencing significant skill and labour shortages – especially in areas of growth, as well as battling the slowly rising costs of employing skilled workers.

Therefore, it is important that employers start to consider employing a diverse range of skilled and talented people, and take full advantage of Australia’s untapped workforce to meet ever growing demands of day to day business.

One in five Australians lives with a disability of some kind, including those living with mental health conditions. It may be permanent or temporary, it may have existed from birth or may have been acquired due to an accident or as a part of the ageing process.

Disability is often invisible, and for some people, disability may be episodic, while for others, it may be stable. Disabilities range from severe to extremely minor, and people with disability of many different forms are already effectively contributing to the Australian workforce.

FACT: 32% of employees with disability work as professionals or as managers.

There are significant benefits that your business stands to gain when employing people with disability.

Reliability & Related Cost Savings

People with disability can often display a high degree of dedication and commitment to their role.

Generally, they are known to take fewer days off, less sick leave and stay in jobs for longer than other workers.

These employee attributes create real business cost savings, through reduced staff turnover and lower recruitment and retraining costs.

What’s more, because people with disability have fewer compensation incidents and accidents at work, compared to other employees, insurance cover and workers’ compensation costs are often lower.

Affordability

It is said that the general employment costs for people with a disability can be as low as 13% of those for other employees.

With people with disability having fewer compensation incidents and accidents at work than other employees, studies have showed that their workers’ compensation costs are as low as 4% of the compensation costs for other employees.

Brand Reputation & Morale

Studies have shown that both employees and customers are more loyal to organisations that demonstrate they value social diversity and inclusion, and that their workforce treats all members of the community equally. Further to this, it is said that evidence of ‘inclusion’ is being taken into consideration when awarding contracts and tenders.

Not only does hiring people with disability enhance an organisation’s image in the general community, people with disability boost staff morale and enhance a sense of teamwork.

Good Customer Retention

People with disability build strong connections with customers.

Employees with disability can help your organisation to understand what your customers or clients with disability may need, giving you an edge over your competitors.

In addition to this, an organisation that reflects the diversity of the wider community is likely to attract increased customer loyalty and satisfaction.

Broader Talent Pool

When organisations keep their workplaces and recruitment processes open to people with disability, they ensure that all potential employees with the relevant skills, qualifications and experience hold the ability to be hired.

Being open to diversity attracts and retains the widest possible talent pool.

Employees within inclusive workplaces are also likely to be more engaged, motivated and productive – and are even included to stay with your business for longer.

Overall, building an inclusive, diverse workforce benefits both your employees and your organisation.

With potential employees with disability representing such substantial opportunities to your business, it makes good business sense to ensure that they are a part of your workforce!