Creating an inclusive workplace | Centre for Inclusive Employment

Overview

People with disability often report feeling excluded at work, which can lead to isolation and reduced job satisfaction. ^{1 2}Creating an inclusive workplace culture is essential to ensuring everyone feels connected, valued and supported to succeed.

An inclusive culture is one where:

diversity and difference are genuinely valued
every employee has a safe, accessible environment to thrive in their role
the skills, experiences and contributions of all people are actively recognised.³

Inclusive workplaces are flexible and responsive to individual needs. They recognise that flexibility benefits not only people with disability, but the entire workforce.

What makes an inclusive workplace?

Inclusive workplaces are built through intentional actions, attitudes and systems. There are a number of things to consider when creating an inclusive workplace including:

Access and environment

considering the availability and accessibility of public transport and parking and how accessible its entrances, bathrooms and workstations are.
encouraging the use of clear signage using clear language, symbols and tactile cues

Communication and information

ensuring communication and digital platforms, including human resource systems, intranet, room bookings and document management, are easy to use with assistive technologies and screen readers
providing information in plain language and ensure meetings and events are accessible with interpreters and online access as required

Recruitment and onboarding

ensuring recruitment and induction processes are inclusive and supportive, through accessible application processes, adjustments to interview processes (including alternative approaches to assessing skills), inclusive orientation programs and connections with relevant support systems

Policies and procedures

ensuring ease of access to reasonable adjustments and emergency procedures and equitable access to workplace flexibility policies

Career growth and retention

supporting retention and promotion by providing equal access to accessible training, career mentors and opportunities to discuss career progression with managers

Culture and leadership

showing a clear commitment to accessibility and inclusion through disability action plans and disability employee networks
fostering positive attitudes about disability through disability awareness training, promoting diversity in leadership and consulting with employees with disability
actively fostering positive social connections in the workplace.⁴

Key strategies for success

Some key strategies that can support the creation of an inclusive workplace include:

matching positive expectations with appropriate support – people thrive in workplaces when their employer and colleagues have positive attitudes about disability and hold high expectations for their work contribution
fostering positive social connections in the workplace – people highly value social connections at work and this is an important part of what makes work positive, meaningful and enjoyable
being flexible and adaptive to overcome barriers to success – workplaces and employers are most inclusive to all employees when they are flexible and adaptive in not only providing workplace adjustments but also finding flexible solutions to ways of working.⁵