Is your workplace inclusive?

Two months after celebrating International Day of People with Disability on 3 December have you made any changes to your workplace to reduce barriers to employment for people with disability?

To assist you in creating a more inclusive workplace, the Australian Disability Network (ADN) has released a short film ‘It’s Not Hard to be Inclusive‘ that takes a fresh and funny look, setting the tone for an inclusive approach.

The social model of disability recognises that barriers to full inclusion have been created by society and embedded in environments and attitudes, but this can be changed with minimal adjustments to make a truly inclusive workplace in which all your employees thrive. Not only that, there is opportunity to open the door to a more diverse customer base that is good for business.

The five key areas that you should explore are:

1. Inclusive Communication – remove barriers by ensuring everyone can access, understand, and engage with messages effectively by considering the diverse needs and communication preferences of your employees.
2. Inclusive Access – foster independence by ensuring everyone can navigate premises and services independently.
3. Inclusive Recruitment – ensure all qualified candidates including those with disabilities have equal opportunity to apply, interview and be considered for roles. This helps attract a wider talent pool, foster a more inclusive workplace culture and build stronger, more innovative teams.
4. Inclusive Workplace Adjustments – ensure people with disabilities have the tools and support they need to perform their roles effectively and reach their full potential. Job Access may be able to provide financial resources to assist in any adjustments required.
5. Inclusive Attitudes – challenge unconscious biases, value diverse experiences, and foster a culture of respect to remove barriers that may hinder the full participation of people with disabilities.

Creating an inclusive workplace is about more than just compliance with laws and policies – it’s about building a culture where everyone feels valued. Studies show that diverse teams are more innovative, productive, and better at problem-solving. Inclusion enhances engagement, reduces turnover, and broadens your customer base by reflecting the diversity of the community.

The Canberra Business Chamber is committed to supporting businesses in their journey toward greater workplace inclusion – ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, background or identity, has equal opportunities to contribute and thrive. Through our Skills & Inclusion Program we provide resources, training and guidance to help businesses create more inclusive workplaces.

If you are wanting to know more about providing an inclusive workplace and employing people with disabilities, please get in touch.