The Australian Government is making changes to help more people with disability find work.

Inclusive Employment Australia will soon replace Disability Employment Services (DES).

The program will help create a more inclusive future where people with disability, as well as those with injury, or health conditions can get support to find jobs and grow their career.

More information about Inclusive Employment Australia is available on the Department of Social Services website or speak to your provider

Image description: two women are having a conversation while looking at a laptop screen. Credit: Canva

A common question JobAccess Advisers often get asked is, “what is reasonable for employers to ask as evidence of disability from employees?”.

Our advice is based on good practice*.

An employee does not have tell their employer, unless it impacts –

• their ability to perform the inherent requirements of the role, or
• their safety, or
• the safety of their co-workers.

If any of these apply, employees should only need to explain how their disability affects their work duties. This means sharing any barriers to doing the job well.

If someone feels dizzy from their mental health medication, they should talk to their employer about making changes. These adjustments might include flexible start or finish times. They don’t have to tell their employer about the mental health issue itself.

The Disability Discrimination Act (1992) states that it is unlawful to ask information about a person’s disability. Employers can only ask information to adjust work conditions and see if the employee can meet the job’s basic needs. This means understanding any barriers a person might face in the workplace because of their disability.

It’s unlawful under the DDA 1992 to ask people with disabilities for information that isn’t needed in similar situations.

This shows how organisational policies can create barriers. These barriers can stop people with disability from getting the support they need for their jobs.

Employers should talk openly with employees instead of asking for medical proof or a diagnosis. To help employers and employees, JobAccess launched a Conversation Guide on workplace adjustments. The guide aims to facilitate open, empathetic, and actionable discussions.

This conversation guide is a helpful tool for employers and employees. They can use it to talk openly and confidently and helps managers and employees talk about workplace adjustments.

If the employee shares the barriers they face at work and suggests adjustments, it’s the employer’s job to make those changes.

If the employee isn’t sure what changes they need, they, their manager or a Human Resources rep can contact JobAccess. We’re here to help. 

Are you looking for support on workplace adjustments? 
Talk to the experts.

JobAccess offers free and confidential advice on workplace adjustments for employers, people with disability and service providers. Our allied health professionals give tailored advice to meet your needs from the first point of contact.

JobAccess also manages applications for workplace adjustments through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF). The EAF gives financial help to people with disability which can help remove or reduce cost as a barrier to implementing adjustments.

Every situation is unique. If you'd like to discuss a specific scenario, contact JobAccess on 1800 464 800 to speak with our resourceful Advisers. You can also submit an online enquiry or visit our JobAccess website for more information.

(*) We recommend that organisations obtain their own legal advice.

The Australian Government’s JobAccess service has launched new visual branding for Alumni Partners of the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC).

JobAccess Alumni represent a cohort of employers who have completed a 12-month partnership with the NDRC and are leading the way in workplace diversity. The growing alumni currently include more than 150 public and private organisations from diverse industries operating in major city centres and regional areas across Australia.

With 4.4 million people with disability in Australia, improving the participation of people with disability through employment is vital to long-term sustainable and equitable economic growth.

The NDRC is funded by the Australian Government as a program of JobAccess, and it is designed to help employers access the skills and talents of people with disability.

The NDRC partners with larger employers across Australia to improve their disability confidence through free, tailored 12-month partnerships. The NDRC works alongside employers to help identify and remove workplace barriers to improve access to employment for people with disability.

To connect with the NDRC, you can contact JobAccess on 1800 464 800 or submit an online enquiry.

8 February 2024

In July 2023, the Australian Government announced a new Disability Employment Services Quality Framework. The Framework is designed to ensure the delivery of high quality, tailored services for people with disability. It will ensure providers are listening and responding to the needs of individuals and employers to drive meaningful and sustained quality improvement.

Following the release of the Framework the Department has continued to consult with providers, peaks, and disability representative organisations to inform and support implementation and development. The Framework has been updated to support this development.

DES Quality Guidelines are available to complement the Framework. The Guidelines formalise the rating approach and frequency to inform provider quality assessments.

An Easy Read version of the Framework will be available early 2024.

16 October 2023

Neurodiversity describes that people experience and interact with the world in different ways. We are all neurodiverse. Look around your workplace, community, friends and family and you will see that no two brains and ways of thinking are the same.

Neurodiversity can be divided into two categories: those who are ‘neurodivergent’ and those who are ‘neurotypical’.

According to Reframing Autism, the term ‘neurodivergent’ is used to describe “people whose brains are significantly different to what is expected in the ‘typical’ population”. This can include people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and other neurological or developmental conditions.To learn more about these terms visit the Reframing Autism website.

The term ‘neurotypical’ or ‘non-neurodivergent’ refers to people whose brains function similarly to most of their peers. Individuals who are neurotypical develop skills at the same rate as others their age.

An untapped asset

Neurodivergent people have different ways of navigating, solving problems and challenging assumptions. Various scientific studies have identified numerous strengths of neurodivergent people, including creativity, three-dimensional thinking, attention to detail, hyper focus and entrepreneurialism.

Yet, the unemployment rate of neurodivergent people is higher than that of people with any form of disability. It is also higher than that of people without disability.

Embracing neurodivergence at work can help businesses broaden their talent pool. They can unlock innovation, reach new markets, grow their customer base, and retain their current clients.

What is unconscious bias?

Unconscious bias means attitudes and perceptions that are held in our subconscious, prompting hidden or unconscious, biases.

Unconscious bias happens automatically and is triggered by making quick assessments of people. These assessments are based on our own background, culture and experiences.

It may prevent employers from hiring neurodivergent candidates even if they perform well at the interview. Additionally, neurodivergent employees may not get equal opportunities of career growth and development as they progress in their roles.

8 tips to reduce unconscious bias from the recruitment process

Resolving unconscious bias is vital to mitigate and manage assumptions when hiring neurodivergent candidates. These simple tips can help give neurodivergent candidates an equal chance to show their fit for the role and thrive at work: 

1. Simplify your job advertisements: use clear, straight to the point language and mention in the job ad that candidates with disability, or neurodivergent candidates, are encouraged to apply.
2. Carefully consider the inherent requirements for the role: ensure you are focused on the core skills required to perform the job. For example, many traditional job ads seek ‘excellent communication skills’ or promote as having a ‘fast-paced environment’. The question to ask here is if this skill is necessary for this particular role. If it isn’t a required skill and it’s included as a ‘necessary skill’ in the job ad, it may deter some neurodivergent candidates from applying. For example, candidates who might have the right skill set for the role but aren’t strong in communication.
3. Check recruitment programs that rely on Artificial Intelligence: ensure that the data coded into the system isn’t based on neurotypical candidates, for example, the data isn’t already biased. This could result in a higher probability of neurodivergent individuals being eliminated.
4. Be transparent about the recruitment process: provide a clear and simplified summary of the end-to-end recruitment process and what to expect. Ask the candidate if they have any requests or requirements at all stages of employment.
5. Rethink your interview format:
   • Ideally, replace a typical face-to-face interview with a test, task or simulation.
   • If an interview is required, move away from using outdated ways of assessing someone in an interview. Assessing aspects like direct eye contact or body language is not inclusive of neurodivergent people.
   • Provide all candidates with the standardised list of questions ahead of time.
   • Consider having an interview panel, with interviewers from diverse backgrounds.
   • If multiple interviews are required, spread them out across several days, to reduce stress on the applicants. If candidates need to use a laptop or device let them use their own, as they are familiar with it.
6. Provide candidates options for meeting: whether it be face-to-face, video call or over the phone, allowing the candidate to choose the best setting for them can help reduce anxiety. Offer breaks if the interview is expected to run longer than 30 minutes. If the interview is face-to-face, ensure a quiet space with no interruptions.
7. Provide a task as a core part of the process: tasks that mimic the kind of work candidates will be doing in the role are the best indicator of the candidates’ potential performance. Interviews are social interactions that neurodivergent people may find challenging, it is more effective to let the candidate demonstrate their skills. If the candidate emails the task rather than presenting it, ensure a ‘blind review’, i.e., have the names of the candidate removed before you review the task, to ensure no bias creeps in from previous recruitment rounds.
8. Get feedback: ask candidates for feedback on your recruitment process to see if there are ways to make it more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Build an inclusive workplace to support a diverse workforce

JobAccess Employer Engagement team – the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC), works alongside large employers, to develop inclusive workplace policies. They also advise on good practice to support people with disability.

JobAccess also supports employers with advice and implementation of workplace adjustments. Our allied health professionals provide expert advice to support neurodivergent employees at work.

Call us on 1800 464 800 to connect with the NDRC. You can also submit an online enquiry form through the JobAccess website.

This page was updated on 15 July 2024 to remove incorrect statistics regarding neurodivergence and employment in Australia.

• National survey found knowledge gaps in understanding of workplace adjustments.
• 60 per cent of Australians are unaware about adjustments.
• 40 per cent estimate the cost of workplace adjustments to be significant.
• Improving accessibility is crucial to ensuring the socio-economic participation of 4.4 million Australians with disability.

Making workplace adjustments is simple, cost-effective and benefits everyone. Yet, 60 per cent of Australians lack awareness about adjustments and only 2 in 5 people perceive workplace adjustments as something easy. Additionally, most of them are unsure about the costs and benefits of implementation.

These findings are part of JobAccess’ recent survey titled “Understanding workplace attitudes toward people with disability,” unveiled today.

The nationwide survey aimed to gauge the awareness of disability and, more specifically, the understanding of workplace adjustments.

Unveiling the results, JobAccess General Manager Daniel Valiente-Riedl, said, “Workplace adjustments benefit everyone. It is one of the most effective ways to enable people with disability to access employment opportunities and work efficiently and comfortably. Yet, three in five Australians haven’t heard about adjustments.”

“This is a major challenge and missed opportunity for employers, seeing Australia’s disability employment gap has not changed in two decades and ongoing skills shortage that the businesses are facing.”

One key factor that the research revealed is the cost of implementing workplace adjustments. Forty per cent of respondents estimate the cost to be significant with an average cost of modifications starting at $6,800.

“Making workplace adjustments is easy and comes at no cost. JobAccess internal research shows that most adjustments cost less than $1,000. Some changes, such as flexible working hours or arrangements, cost nothing and benefit all employees, not just people with disability.”

“Modifications like assistive technology, disability awareness training for managers and staff, and specialised one-on-on support can be funded through the Australian Government’s Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).”

Since 2006, JobAccess has managed over 65,000 funding applications to make workplace modifications, provide support and training to employers and people with disability.

The survey also found that 78 per cent of respondents believe that making workplace adjustments for people with disability is the responsibility of employers. However, 72 per cent of respondents are unsure or don’t know how to arrange workplace adjustments for an employee with disability.

“This is often due to low awareness about workplace adjustments, lack of confidence, and an incorrect perception that it may be difficult.”

“The good news is that JobAccess is here to support and fill this knowledge gap by providing guidance on matters ranging from workplace adjustments to building employer confidence and confidence – to drive disability employment for people with disability.”

“It’s time that Australian businesses focus on creating safe and inclusive workplaces for employees with disability, where everyone is welcome to work,” concludes Mr Valiente-Riedl.

Select the link to view results from JobAccess’ national survey on ‘Understanding workplace attitudes toward people with disability’.

JobAccess has launched a new Conversation Guide on workplace adjustments to facilitate an open, empathetic, and actionable discussion between employers and employees with disability.

The resource has been developed through feedback received in the recent national survey by JobAccess, which found that 6 in 10 Australians lack awareness of workplace adjustments. The survey also highlighted that most people are unaware of the costs and benefits of implementing adjustments in the workplace.

“Having the conversation about workplace adjustments is usually half the battle. In most cases, employers and employees with disability aren’t sure how to approach the discussion and might not be aware of the supports available to them,” says JobAccess General Manager Daniel Valiente-Riedl.

Workplace adjustments are vital in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that promotes equal opportunities for everyone. They are an important enabler for people with disability to work safely, productively and feel included.

An effective conversation is a good starting point for employers and people with disability to help identify any barriers and find potential solutions. Offering workplace adjustments are critical to support people with disability in employment and help bridge Australia’s disability employment gap.

“This conversation guide is a ready-to-use, practical resource that employers and employees can download and apply in their discussions with openness and confidence,” Daniel adds.

Karla Fernee, National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC) Manager emphasises, “Employers play a crucial role in fostering a supportive, inclusive, and safe workplace for both current and future employees. Knowing how to initiate the conversation about adjustments is key to understand and meet the diverse needs of your workforce.”

“This approach not only sets a positive tone across the organisation but also enhances employers’ confidence to attract, employ, and retain people with disability.” Karla adds.

The guide also features a list of good practice considerations for employees to identify and discuss workplace adjustments with their current or prospective employer.

Manager for Advisory and Workplace Adjustments at JobAccess, Georgia Miller says, “Sometimes people with disability may choose not to share information or talk about their disability in the workplace because of myths and misconceptions about disability. And, that completely one’s own choice,”

“However, it’s good if employees and candidates feel comfortable sharing information about their access requirements. It can build trust and create an open relationship between their manager and colleagues. It also enables employers to put effective adjustments in place to enhance workplace efficiency.”

“Each person’s accessibility needs are different. Making simple adjustments can support productivity, lead to greater job satisfaction, and help people with disability sustain employment,” Georgia concludes. 

Download the ‘Conversation Guide on workplace adjustments’ from the JobAccess website.

Need support with workplace adjustments? JobAccess is here to help.

JobAccess is the go-to service for advice, support, and funding for workplace adjustments. We have a team of allied health professionals who offer holistic advice on adjustments to employers and people with disability from the first point of contact.

JobAccess supports all employees, employers, and service providers throughout the process – right from an initial assessment, through to delivery of adjustments.

Contact JobAccess on 1800 464 800 to speak to our Advisers for confidential and tailored advice on workplace adjustments. You can also submit an online enquiry or visit our website for more information.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day (WMHD). This year’s theme is ‘Mental health is a universal human right'. World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness of mental health and driving positive change for everyone's mental health.

Mental health and work: interesting statistics

One in five Australians aged 16 – 85 experienced a mental health condition in the last 12 months, while 44% of Australians have experienced a mental health condition at some point in their life. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health condition, affecting one in six Australians.

When we look at the mental health of people with disability, 32% of adults living with disability experience high or very high levels of psychological distress, compared to 8% for those without disability.

If you look around your workplace today, one in five of your colleagues (or 20% of your workforce) could be experiencing poor mental health. Beyond Blue’s Heads Up Initiative found that having a mentally healthy workplace was the second most important factor in an employee’s decision to accept a new position, after the monetary remuneration on offer.

We know that work is a key source to improve and support our mental health and with many people spending more than a third of their life at work, it is incredibly important to create and promote a mentally healthy workplace, with a culture that encourages conversations about mental health.

Benefits of mentally healthy workplace

Did you know that untreated mental health conditions cost employers $10.9 billion every year through absenteeism, reduced productivity and increased compensation claims?

Providing a mentally healthy, inclusive and diverse workplace reflective of the society we live in, makes a good business sense. A mentally healthy workplace:

• improves employee productivity
• improves commercial outcomes
• helps attract and retain staff

How does JobAccess support mentally healthy workplaces

JobAccess provides various supports to employers, and people living with mental health conditions. Some of them include:

1. Employers can speak with a JobAccess Adviser on 1800 464 800, to access tailored advice on workplace adjustments, modifications, one on one counselling and awareness training’ specifically to their workplace needs.
2. Employers can visit the JobAccess Employer Toolkit which includes free, on-demand and practical resources covering all aspects of disability employment, including mental health. This free toolkit is designed to build employer confidence and equip organisations with the skills to effectively manage common mental health conditions at work.
3. JobAccess can organise on-the-job training, funded through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF), for managers and employees with mental health conditions.

The EAF can provide up to $1500 per annum to employers for each eligible employee, to conduct mental health awareness training at the workplace. This training is delivered by qualified professionals with specialist expertise, increasing awareness, reducing stigma, improving attitudes, as well as increasing the confidence of employers and co-workers in assisting someone experiencing mental ill health.

4. Funding for professional counselling by a registered psychologist, where the counselling will assist the person in carrying out their job duties. Most assistance is in response to depression, stress, mood disorders, anxiety and anger management issues.

How businesses can encourage a mentally healthy workplace

A healthy workplace benefits all employees including those living with mental health conditions. Here are some helpful tips that can help businesses to create a mentally healthy workplace:

• Providing an Employee Assistance Program, offering your workforce with access to free counselling.
• Arranging additional one to one meetings.
• Ensuring your management team have completed mental health awareness. training, and embody a leadership style that is approachable and understanding.
• Ensuring taking breaks is a part of the workplace culture.
• Providing regular performance feedback.
• Considering flexible working arrangements, such as working from home or different start and end times. These small adjustments can make a huge difference for someone living with a mental health condition.
• Providing information and hosting workshops about various wellbeing topics such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness and so on. This also helps normalise topics around mental health, and starts the conversation amongst your team.
• If your employee has been away from work due to their mental health condition, providing a return-to-work plan can really help them settle back in and get back to performing in their role.
• Having a buddy / mentor program in place. This can foster relationships at work, where employees can discuss their mental health in a safe space.
• Consider providing the ability to utilise unpaid leave when required.
• If your team members work from home, ensure you check in regularly for social connection, and ensure you are still providing a space for social connection, like virtual morning teas. Perhaps you can start your first virtual morning tea by supporting World Mental Health Day (WMHD).

The Queensland Government’s Flexible by Design is a good example of a principle-based framework for flexible working designed to increase productivity while promoting employee wellbeing.

Contact JobAccess to discuss your specific needs and requirements. Our team of experts are here to help develop and implement good practice in building mentally healthy workplaces. Visit www.jobaccess.gov.au for more information.