Employer attitudes toward disability inclusion in the Australian workforce

A disability module was included in the Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey to capture employer experiences, attitudes, and challenges in hiring people with disability. It examines recruitment practices, workplace adjustments, use of government supports, and perceived barriers. 

The findings provide a detailed snapshot of employer approaches to inclusive employment and factors influencing the participation of people with disability. Rather than prescribing specific actions, the evidence highlights the value of improving clarity, strengthening engagement and better understanding how current frameworks operate across different labour market contexts to support more inclusive employment outcomes for people with disability.

The Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey surveys around 1,000 employers each month about their recruitment experiences and staffing intentions. The results provide insights into labour market conditions and inform resources that help job seekers better understand employer needs and expectations.

Key findings
 

• New Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey module reveals that 29% of employers reported having staff with disability. 59% of those who hadn’t, said they were open to doing so.
• Most employers (82%) who hired a person with disability did not access government incentives or wage subsidies.
• Flexible work, job redesign, and workstation adjustments were the most common workplace modifications.
• The findings reinforce the ongoing role of intermediaries, such as Disability Employment Services providers, in supporting employers and jobseekers.
• There are significant variations across industries and regions, highlighting the need for responses that reflect the diversity of the labour market rather than a single uniform approach.