In Australia, out of one in every six people is living with a disability. While society has come a long way toward becoming more accepting, it can still be difficult for people with disabilities to find a job.
Finding the best fit for your specific situation will be determined by several factors. Making sure you have done your research thoroughly, have the required skills, and have the right help on your side are all critical aspects of finding the right job.
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Recognise your abilities
Several barriers to jobs for people with disabilities have been correctly identified by the Australian Human Rights Commission, such as:
- Access to flexible work arrangements is unavailable.
- Difficulty in negotiating required workplace accommodations
- Lack of easy transportation, technology in the workplace, and workplace design
It is noticed that people with disabilities frequently exemplify the qualities that employers seek, such as adaptability and resourcefulness. Furthermore, because disability is diversity, it is an important component of workplace Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA).
Fortunately, many organisations and resources support DEIA efforts; hiring and recruiting qualified disabled individuals does not have to be difficult. Here are 7 components of why people with disabilities can help your business compete.
Increase your company’s profit margin
People with disabilities have spent their entire lives solving problems and showing devotion to the company. Many large corporations have shared their experiences hiring people with disabilities to demonstrate how it has improved their overall bottom line. Microsoft and Merck executives have stated that they prioritise hiring a workforce that reflects their customer base, which includes people with disabilities.
2. Identify untapped potential
Searching for the right talent might be challenging, and if your company is not open to hire people with disabilities, you’re passing up a largely unexplored talent pool. Workers with disabilities have skills and experiences that can give employers a competitive advantage.
Many adults with autism have above-average abilities in pattern recognition, memory, and mathematics, which are highly sought-after skill sets in technology and many other fields.
Employees with intellectual disabilities contribute to maximum productivity, lesser absenteeism, and increased employee loyalty. Disabled employees can also contribute creativity, innovation, and various perspectives on overcoming obstacles and completing tasks.
3. Lower turnover
People with disabilities are likely to have greater retention rates because they seek stable and reliable work when looking for a job. This is yet another reason why hiring disabled people can benefit a company’s bottom line.
4. Enhance company morale and culture
Employing staff with disabilities communicates and promotes an inclusive workplace. This promotes empathy in the workplace (an important trait to have when operating with customers and clients) and can improve consumer perception of the company. Inclusion can also have a significant impact on how employees perceive their workplace.
According to a Deloitte study, employees who felt included and believed their company treasured diversity were 80% more likely to work for a high-performing organisation. Furthermore, a job for people with disabilities communicates social responsibility, illustrating that the company is concerned with larger social issues affecting the community and its residents. Promoting an inclusive workplace continues after hiring. Making sure employees with disabilities have leadership opportunities can help to improve company culture from the top down.
5. Broaden your consumer base
Disabled people constitute one of the most important consumer market segments in Australia. Representation in the workplace is one way to enter this market segment.
People want to support businesses that can meet their requirements. Hiring and promoting people with disabilities demonstrates to employees with disabilities, including their families and friends, that they are valued, which may lead to them thinking more positively of the organisation and encouraging them to become or stay loyal employees.
6. Be eligible for financial incentives
Employers of individuals with disabilities may be eligible for federal and state tax breaks and financial incentives.
7. Comply with federal contractor specifications
Federal contractors and subcontractors are required by law to take proactive measures to recruit and retain disabled employees. As a result, being disability-inclusive will help businesses that work with the Government — or may want to start something of their own with the Government in the future — meet regulatory requirements.
The Australian Government highlights various ways of disability support to businesses that hire people with disabilities. These will change depending on your disability and where you stand in your professional life.
These support groups are customised as per your situation, whether it is additional training required for the right job or obtaining the required accessories to assist you with your job.
Expect people with disabilities to succeed who engage in work-based learning experiences. Maintain high standards. Help them succeed by remaining positive and proactive. All this will boost their productivity and increase employers’ profits, creating a win-win situation for both.