Australia’s most inclusive employers: who made the list?

Key points:

• People with disability are twice as likely to experience work-related harassment and discrimination in Australia according to Diversity Council Australia’s recent report
• Diversity Council Australia’s annual Inclusion at Work Week, held November 18 – 22, 2024, aims to improve Australians’ understanding of the benefits of inclusive workplaces
• Disability Employment Services providers such as atWork Australia help people with disability gain meaningful work with supportive employers

The Diversity Council Australia’s Inclusive Employers List 2024 – 2025 reveals the Australian employers recognised as supporting positive employment outcomes for people with disability.

More than 60 employers were included in the Diversity Council Australia’s Inclusive Employers List 2024 – 2025, such as:

• 7-Eleven Australia;
• the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts;
• Paramount ANZ/Network Ten;
• Helping Hand Aged Care;
• Swisse Wellness; and
• Workskil Australia.

Diversity Council Australia Chief Executive Officer Lisa Annese emphasised that Australian organisations should make employment opportunities more accessible for people with disability.

“Diversity Council Australia congratulates this year’s inclusive employers for showing their commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces where employees in all their diversity can thrive,” she said.

“Diversity Council Australia’s Inclusive Employer Index is an evidence-based process that reveals the state of inclusion and diversity across participating organisations. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the companies that are driving real change and inspiring others to follow their lead.”

Employees with disability are almost twice as likely to experience harassment or discrimination in Australian workplaces. 

Diversity Council Australia, a not-for-profit organisation focused on inclusion and diversity, recently released a report to highlight how people with disability are impacted by workplace discrimination. 

Approximately 30 percent of Australians with disability won’t disclose their disability status to their employer for reasons including:

• being seen as a less favourable employee;
• having concerns about where the private information would be used; and
• feeling doubtful that sharing would result in a positive outcome.

However, Diversity Council Australia is holding its annual Inclusion at Work Week from November 18 to November 22, 2024, to improve inclusivity and diversity in Australian workplaces. 

Ms Annese highlighted the importance of increasing Australia’s awareness of the benefits of inclusive workplaces.

“This week is about more than celebrating achievements — it’s a call to action. Through Inclusion at Work Week, we want to galvanise workplaces to reflect, connect and commit to sustained inclusion efforts,” she said.

While more Australian workplaces are becoming more inclusive for people with disability, services are available to help people with disability find jobs they enjoy with added support.

Disability Employment Services can help people with disability find and maintain work in a mainstream environment, known as open employment, through two separate programs, namely:

• Employment Support Services — for job seekers with permanent disability and an assessed need for regular, ongoing workplace support;
• Disability Management Services — for job seekers with disability, injury or health conditions who are not expected to need long-term workplace support but may need irregular, flexible support to keep a job.

Many people with disability are employed in Australian workplaces and many organisations are making efforts to be more inclusive. [Source: Shutterstock]

 

One Disability Employment Services provider, atWork Australia, aims to assist more Australians with disability to engage in rewarding work.

A few years ago, 32-year-old Ray was diagnosed with a rare eye disorder, retinitis pigmentosa, which caused a loss of 80 percent of vision. Before this, Ray worked as a support worker, a job he loved, but his disability meant he faced an uncertain future.

“At first, I was in a panic. I remember feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what the future held for me. I had to confront the reality of my condition and the impact it would have on my life,” he said.

However, Ray sought assistance from atWork Australia and commented on the positive impact that his job coach, Andrew, had on his confidence and that valuable support was provided.

“Andrew was a game-changer for me. He took the time to understand my disability and helped me set realistic goals. He was there every step of the way, providing guidance and encouragement when I needed it most,” he said.

Ray was determined to re-enter the workforce and support his family. [Source: supplied]

 

Providers such as atWork Australia help prospective employees by providing a job coach, health and well-being information, access to supportive employers as well as support after you get the job. 

While Ray received support from atWork Australia, he explained that his personal drive also contributed to his success in finding a new job.

“I was determined to return to work, not just for myself but to prove to my family and community that I could overcome these challenges,” he said.

“I want people to know that just because you can’t see something, doesn’t mean you can’t do it. With the right support, anyone can overcome obstacles and thrive in their career.”

According to atWork Australia’s website, the provider has ‘partnered with thousands of employers and placed thousands of Australians into meaningful employment.’

Social benefits for employed people with disability can include improved self-worth and contribute to a greater sense of identity.

Employing people with disability also improves outcomes for businesses as people with disability are more likely to remain with the same company and take fewer days off sick. 

The Disability Support Guide helps to provide information to people with disability and their families about employment and volunteering options and suggestions on how to help students with disability transition into further study.

 

Have you received support from a Disability Employment Services provider? How did this impact you?

Let the team at Talking Disability know on social media. 

For more information related to disability news, subscribe to the FREE weekly newsletter. 

 

Relevant content:

Some Aussies are more likely to gain supported employment than others

People with disability miss out because of inaccessible bathrooms near Aussie beaches

Named and shamed: NDIS Commission releases list of banned providers