Finding a work environment that’s inclusionary can help you unlock a future filled with growth, professional success and personal fulfillment.
An inclusionary workplace gives you the chance to be part of a team that thrives on diverse perspectives and celebrates individual strengths, setting a stage where everyone has the freedom to shine.
On the other hand, the wrong workplace can stifle your potential and leave you feeling unappreciated, unseen and unheard. When it comes to finding a new job, there’s plenty riding on the outcome.
Before you sign your next employment contract, how can you be sure you’re committing to the right environment?
This blog will explore the benefits of an inclusionary workplace and give you practical tips and tricks on how to track one down in your job hunt.
Why Inclusion Matters
Inclusive workplaces aren't just a feel-good initiative; they're a smart way to ensure you and your teammates can perform. A Deloitte report shows diverse workplaces enjoy 12% higher productivity than organisations where diversity is not a focus, and teams who actively pursue inclusivity perform a whopping 30% better.
What does this tell us? In a nutshell, the most successful teams are diverse and inclusive at their core. Here's a glimpse into the benefits you can expect as an employee in an inclusive environment:
Unlock Your Creativity
As part of a diverse team, you’ll be able to draw on a wealth of original ideas and creativity. This will enable you to identify a broader range of problems, solve them in innovative ways, and achieve breakthroughs collectively.
Feel Valued and Supported
In an inclusive environment, your unique perspective and personality are appreciated, leading to higher engagement and a more fulfilling work experience. If you feel valued as a person, you’re more likely to value what you do each day.
Build a Strong Team
Being part of a team where everyone feels welcome and respected increases loyalty and reduces turnover, creating a stable and supportive work environment for you and the rest of your team.
Talented Collaborations
Companies that remove barriers open themselves up to a wider talent pool, enabling them to tap into a wealth of skills and experience. This ensures you get to work with a diverse, high-performing team.
High-Value Contribution
Without having to worry about whether your physical or cognitive needs are being properly catered for, you can focus all your time and energy on performing your best work.
Beyond the Building
While physical accessibility is crucial, a truly inclusive workplace goes far beyond ramps and accessible bathrooms. It includes a culture that celebrates diversity and embraces the unique talents everybody brings to the table. This creates a work environment that feels:
Supportive: There's a willingness to understand individual needs and provide accommodations to ensure everyone can thrive in their roles.
Respectful: Open communication creates a space for questions and honest conversations about disabilities, replacing stigma and misconceptions with empathy and understanding.
Empowering: The company actively seeks diverse perspectives, including representation of people with disabilities in leadership roles. This sends a clear message that everyone's contributions are valued and enables you to set long-term career progression goals.
Finding the Right Fit
So, how can you uncover an employer that promotes disability inclusion at every level of the business? Here are a few things to look out for during your job search:
Company Website & Social Media
You can start by examining a prospective employer’s online presence to figure out how much they champion inclusivity. Is there social media and website content showcasing a diverse workforce, or mentions of their active participation in disability inclusion initiatives? Ideally, you’re looking for companies who actively pursue disability diversity and proudly share the results with the world.
Leadership Representation
It’s crucial that you find companies actively recruiting and promoting employees with disabilities for leadership positions. Their lived experiences can be the driving force behind creating a truly inclusive environment. Again, examine the company’s website, social media accounts, and the online profiles of staff and try to find disability representation in senior roles.
Job Description
The job description and application process can also be an early telltale sign. Does it use inclusive language and avoid assumptions about physical or cognitive abilities? Does it mention any accommodations offered for interviews, such as sign language interpreters for candidates living with hearing impairments? An inclusive company will accommodate your needs even in the preliminary phases of the recruitment process.
Interview Procedure
Use the interview procedure as a chance to examine the company’s commitment to inclusivity. How accessible is the interview location? Are the interviewers sensitive to your needs? For example, they should be able to offer interview questions in advance if you need extra time to process information.
Interview Questions
We’re all used to being under a magnifying glass in an interview, but you can use the time as a chance to do your own detective work. During the interview, inquire about the company's approach to supporting employees living with disabilities. Consider phrasing it as, "How does the company ensure an inclusive work environment for everyone?" Open-ended questions are likely to give you more detailed answers about the company’s inclusion efforts.
By following this advice, you should be well on your way to finding an employer who embraces all that you have to offer.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Change
Remember – if you start working for a company and you don’t see enough emphasis on diversity, don’t be afraid to ask for change. A core component of a diverse culture is ensuring that everyone has a voice. The right employer will listen to your feedback and factor it into their decision making.
Crucially, Australian employers have a legal obligation to support employees living with disabilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). This act requires employers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure employees living with disabilities can perform their duties and participate equally in the workplace.
Resources and Support
Finding an inclusive workplace is easier than ever. Here are some additional resources that can help you on your search:
- The National Disability Insurance Scheme provides support for workplace adjustments, connects you with career development resources, and helps identify your strengths and interests to find a fulfilling career path.
- Disability Employment Services offers expert advice on workplace modifications, interview navigation, and advocacy for your needs. They connect you with potential employers and can guide you towards an inclusive job placement.
- The Employment Assistance Fund is a government scheme that helps businesses cover costs associated with accommodating employees with disabilities. Examples include modifying workstations, assistive technology, or accessible transportation.
By advocating for yourself and seeking out an inclusive workplace, you're not just securing a job, you're opening the door for yourself and others to a future filled with greater possibilities.
Your employer should view your disability not as a limitation, but as a source of fresh perspective and inspiration that the whole company can benefit from. You deserve an employer who sees as much potential in you as you do – don't settle for anything less.
Find Your Environment to Thrive In
When the working day is done, everybody loves that ‘home at last’ feeling. At United for Care, we want as many NDIS participants as possible to have a comfortable and supportive home that enables them to thrive.
We believe in creating a supportive, inclusive environment where you’re empowered to live your best life, giving you the perfect blend of support and freedom. We’ll make sure your SIL support program and SDA property are built around your amazing personality and whatever makes you, you!
Chat to one of our friendly experts today and discover how United for Care can guide you through your NDIS journey and empower you to live your best life:
Email Us: info@unitedforcare.com.au
Call Us: 1300 405 260
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