“The business case for hiring people with disability is very strong. People with disability generally take fewer days off, take less sick leave and stay in jobs longer than other workers. They also ensure that your team best reflects the community in which it operates. They are an untapped resource and can be hugely beneficial.” says Marcella Romero, CEO of leading disability employment provider AimBig Employment.
“Unfortunately, the odds are unfairly stacked against people with disability. Almost half of people with a disability are unemployed and have starkly lower labour force participation. But employers can get so much from this group if they are willing to give them a chance,” continues Ms Romero.
One employer that is doing just that is Top End Consulting, a leading provider of recruitment and labour hire throughout the Northern Territory and North Queensland.
Top End Consulting took on AimBig participant Samuel, an individual living with disability looking for meaningful work. Samuel began working as pick packer and receiving handler and has become an integral part of his team. He performs exceptionally and has changed the dynamic of the team he works in. Samuel originally started on a 3.5-hour day commitment to settle in and has successfully transitioned into a full working week of 38+ hours.
“I chose to hire an individual with a disability as I have endeavoured to preference individuals with barriers such as youth and disability. The term ‘people with barriers’ applies to everyone. Why should someone who identifies their barrier be disregarded? I choose to give anyone who is prepared to take a chance with me an opportunity to see how high they can achieve,” says Paul Watson, Account Manager with Top End Consulting.
“I can honestly say that when employing a person with a disability it’s not just giving them a job, you also give them community, a strong sense of belonging and most of all an opportunity that should have been afforded to them no matter their barrier. 99% of the time people with disability, or other barriers, have enhanced the workplace as they have positive outlooks, strive to achieve and are more grateful for the opportunity you give them,” continued Paul.
AimBig Employment is dedicated to providing support to employers hiring individuals with disability.
“AimBig Employment provides a range of services to ensure a seamless transition of job seekers into the workplace, whether it is helping them access funding for workplace modifications, providing disability awareness training, accessing wage subsidies, or promoting job vacancies. On top of this, they provide post placement support, where their staff regularly stay in touch with the employee and employer,” says Terry Wilson, General Manager of AimBig.
This level of support is one of the reasons why employers such as Paul find the process of using AimBig’s free recruitment services hassle-free.
“Our AimBig job coach is a key part of the way we work. This relationship has been mutually beneficial and ensured that a smooth integration into the workforce for Samuel was achievable. Without her support, Samuel would not be growing at such an outstanding rate,” says Paul.
“We have formed a strong working relationship with AimBig, I can be assured that if I call the AimBig job coach I am supported. It makes me feel confident that we can provide the best possible outcome for our candidates to ensure a long, positive employment.
AimBig’s role is to support both the individual and the employer. My only misgiving is that more employers have not found the wealth of opportunity there is in the disabled community. I definitely recommend AimBig’s services and encourage other employers to give someone with a disability a chance,” finished Paul.
Business looking to recruit hard-working, passionate staff with a managed disability can get in touch with AimBig by calling 1300 034 997 or visiting: https://www.aimbigemployment.com.au/employers/
Source: AimBig