Workplace exclusion is rising as employees with disability are twice as likely to face discrimination

New data shows a concerning rise in workplace exclusion, with employees in Australia living with a disability experiencing discrimination at twice the rate of their peers living without disability¹.

The issue is compounded by recent research from Diversity Council Australia, which found that nearly 1 in 5 Australian workers (19%) don’t feel valued, respected, or able to contribute and progress at work – a figure that has almost doubled since 2019². This growing inequality is leaving a significant portion of the workforce feeling undervalued and overlooked, posing a serious challenge to businesses looking to attract and retain top talent.

Highlighted by employment services provider, atWork Australia for Inclusion at Work Week (18-22 November), these findings reflect the urgent need for more inclusive and supportive workplaces. 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.

Building environments that embrace diversity is no longer just a moral imperative but also a key driver of business innovation, creativity, and long-term success. Studies consistently show that inclusive teams outperform their counterparts, creating a ripple effect of benefits across the workforce and the broader economy. In the most recent McKinsey Diversity Matters report, companies committed to diversity revealed a 39% increased likelihood of outperformance³.

Every day, atWork Australia advocate on their client’s behalf, having supported over 13, 100 individuals into employment over the last year, which is driven by the vision of creating a more inclusive workforce. Of this group of individuals, 68.8% of the clients that atWork Australia has supported are living with a disability, injury or health condition and 23.9% come from a culturally diverse background. 

These figures highlight the level of responsibility that atWork Australia place on helping to educate the broader community on the benefits of an inclusive workforce. By delivering their Diversity Webinar Series, atWork Australia hopes to provide education, break down barriers and create more sustainable employment opportunities for more Australian’s who are typically disadvantaged when it comes to securing employment.

atWork Australia client, Ray, a 32-year-old proud Indigenous man from Byron Bay, New South Wales, is one of the many people living with disability who have overcome their employment barriers with atWork Australia’s support. A recent study shows that the employment rate for First Nations Australians is just 51%, while the rate for other Australians is 74%⁴.

Being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa two years ago, Ray lost 80% of his vision within just three months. Forced to step down from his role as a support worker – a job he found deeply rewarding – Ray faced enormous challenges, including a significant relationship breakdown and the difficulty of navigating an invisible disability. His life completely changed forever.

“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 says.

In search of support, Ray reached out to atWork Australia, where he was connected with his job coach, Andrew. “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. He assisted me with renewing my birth certificate and helped me navigate the police check process for job applications, which felt daunting at first,” Ray shares.

With Andrew’s support, Ray gradually regained his confidence. “I was determined to return to work, not just for myself but to prove to my family and community that I could overcome these challenges.”

Ray’s journey back to employment wasn’t easy, but the support from atWork Australia made a significant difference. “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,” he shares. “I want people to know that just because you can’t see something, doesn’t mean you can’t do it. With the right support, anyone can overcome obstacles and thrive in their career.”

Ray’s story is a testament to the power of support systems like atWork Australia in helping individuals overcome significant barriers and regain their independence. His resilience and determination reflect the broader message of Inclusion at Work Week – that with the right support, every person has the potential to thrive, contribute, and bring unique value to the workplace.

To access atWork Australia’s Disability Employment Services (DES), visit: https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/disability-employment-services/

To find out more about atWork Australia’s broader support services, visit: www.atworkaustralia.com.au

ENDS

About atWork Australia

atWork Australia has been delivering employment services on behalf of the Australian Government since 2003. From more than 300 locations around the nation, atWork Australia delivers Disability Employment Services (DES) and Workforce Australia connecting people and business so both can thrive.

Partnering with more than 2,800 employers across the country, atWork Australia placed 13,100 Australians into meaningful and sustainable employment across six states over the last 12 months, across a diverse range of industries and occupations. Find out more at www.atworkaustralia.com.au.

References

1. Diversity Council Australia. New report offers keys to disability inclusion at work. August 2024. https://www.dca.org.au/news/media-releases/new-report-offers-keys-to-disability-inclusion-at-work#:~:text=Key%20findings%20from%20the%20report&text=twice%20as%20likely%20to%20experience,people%20without%20disability%20(23%25). Accessed 21 October 2024.
2. Diversity Council Australia. 2023-2024 Inclusion@Work Index: Workers are feeling disillusioned post-pandemic. February 2024. https://www.dca.org.au/news/media-releases/workers-feel-disillusioned-post-pandemic. Accessed 21 October 2024.
3. Forbes. One More Time: Why Diversity Leads To Better Team Performance. January 2024. https://www.forbes.com/sites/roncarucci/2024/01/24/one-more-time-why-diversity-leads-to-better-team-performance/. Accessed 21 October 2024.
4. The Conversation. Closing the First Nations employment gap will take 100 years. June 2023. https://theconversation.com/closing-the-first-nations-employment-gap-will-take-100-years-205290. Accessed 22 October 2024.

Tia Orfanidis, SenateSHJ, +61 411 293 583 / tia@senateshj.com.au