• 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.

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