Embracing diversity 'key driver of business innovation'
AtWork Australia is calling on employers to take immediate action in creating supportive, accessible, and inclusive workplaces.
This comes as recent data from Diversity Council Australia reveals that nearly one in five Australian workers (19%) feel undervalued and unable to progress at work, a statistic that has nearly doubled since 2019.
There is also a concerning rise in workplace exclusion and disability discrimination, with employees living with a disability now facing discrimination at twice the rate of their peers without a disability.
The findings, which coincide with Inclusion at Work Week, highlight the growing inequality in the Australian workforce.
"As an advocate for equity in employment, atWork Australia is urging employers to take meaningful steps towards creating supportive, accessible and inclusive workplaces that empower all employees to thrive," the organisation said in a media release.
According to AtWork, embracing diversity in workplaces is a "key driver of business innovation, creativity, and long-term success."
Citing research from McKinsey's Diversity Matters report, AtWork noted that companies committing to diversity have a 39% chance of outperforming their counterparts.
Supporting employees to work
To demonstrate its support for inclusive employment, AtWork Australia shared the story of Ray, a 32-year-old Indigenous man from Byron Bay.
Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, Ray faced the devastating loss of 80% of his vision within just three months, forcing him to step down from his role as a support worker.
"At first, I was in a panic. I remember feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what the future held for me. I had to confront the reality of my condition and the impact it would have on my life," Ray said.
Struggling with both personal and professional challenges, Ray reached out to AtWork Australia for help and was paired with his job coach, Andrew, who helped him set realistic goals and navigate the job market.
"Andrew was a game-changer for me. He took the time to understand my disability and helped me set realistic goals. He was there every step of the way, providing guidance and encouragement when I needed it most," Ray said.
According to AtWork, Andrew's support helped him get back into employment: "I'm now in a job that I love with supportive coworkers, and I've even educated some of them about vision impairments. It's rewarding to break down those barriers and misconceptions."
Ray is one of the many clients who was supported by AtWork Australia.
Over the past year, the organisation has supported more than 13,100 individuals into employment, with 68.8% of these clients living with a disability, injury, or health condition.
The organisation also places a significant focus on helping individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, with 23.9% of their clients coming from such communities.