Building Inclusive Workplaces: Small Steps, Big Impact
You don’t need to make wholesale changes to your business to create an inclusive workplace, yet it can make such a difference. Here’s how to get started.
Sometimes, the smallest steps can yield the biggest results.
Committing to an inclusive workplace – one where everyone feels welcome – can produce profoundly positive outcomes.
It’s about being open and flexible and moulding a workplace where everyone has the chance to succeed.
Here’s how you can put intent into action.
What is an Inclusive Workplace?
An inclusive workplace is one where all employees feel supported, respected and valued, with the freedom to share their unique perspectives and talents – no matter their background or identity.
It can start with making minor changes to how tasks are carried out or being more flexible with work hours and routines.
But it also includes being open to hiring people with disability.
Embracing employees with disability is a powerful move and can make such a difference. Better yet, it’s an action that can tangibly improve your team, workplace culture and the wider business.
And with our support, the move is made easy.
At Endeavour Foundation, we work alongside organisations of all sizes to help them take those first steps with confidence. Our support is hands-on, real-world and tailored to what your business needs.
“We recognise the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive workforce, where varied skills, perspectives and experiences drive innovative practices and fuel business growth.”
– Deloitte Australia Chief People and Purpose Officer Pip Dexter.
What is Supported Hosted Employment?
Supported Hosted Employment (SHE) is a transformative employment pathway designed for organisations looking to foster inclusive workplace practices and access valuable talent.
This model places individuals with disability into mainstream workplaces where they can work alongside colleagues without disability – with tailored support and guidance provided by us.
While the employer hosts the employee, we remain responsible for their employment, offering a structured yet flexible support system that aligns with individual goals and workplace culture.
For employers, SHE provides an opportunity to enrich their workforce, improve diversity and benefit from a social enterprise partnership that manages onboarding, support and coordination.
Practical Steps That Make a Real Difference
Inclusive employment is about more than good intention; it’s good business.
SHE allows organisations to welcome individuals with disability into work with the help of our on-the-job training and ongoing support. Here’s how it can deliver genuine value to your business:
Gain Access to Skilled, Motivated Talent
Employing people with disability opens a wider, often overlooked talent pool. Candidates are matched to roles they can succeed in. This helps decrease recruitment costs and boost retention.
Reduce the Pressure on Internal Teams
With Endeavour Foundation handling training, onboarding and ongoing support, your team receives the benefit of a job-ready employee without additional workload. This means faster integration, less time spent managing onboarding and better outcomes.
Strengthen Workplace Culture
Welcoming employees with disability encourages positive team dynamics and stronger communication. This improves employee engagement, fosters collaboration and creates a more connected, inclusive culture.
Boost Brand Reputation
Actively employing people with disability shows your business is serious about inclusion. This can influence supplier decisions, partnerships and customer loyalty.
How We Can Support Your Business
We understand that every business is different, and the journey to inclusion can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why we’re here to help at every step.
Our SHE program offers more than just a job placement. We provide ongoing support tailored to your workplace to ensure success for your new employee and your team. This includes:
- Identifying appropriate job opportunities and matching these to suitable candidates
- Providing training and coaching for existing employees and managers
- Assisting with workplace adjustments
- Delivering day-to-day support and guidance to supported employees
By partnering with Endeavour Foundation, you gain peace of mind knowing you’re backed by experienced professionals who are invested in creating positive outcomes for your organisation and your new team members.
Embrace an Inclusive Workplace Today
Inclusion is a journey, and every journey begins with a single step.
Whether you’re exploring new ways to diversify your team or are ready to welcome your first employee with disability, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your workplace needs and explore how inclusive employment could work for your business.