Unlocking Success: How Hospitality Leaders Are Creating Winning Teams by Employing People with Disability

How can your business gain an edge? We reveal the secret to success.

The hospitality industry is discovering a powerful competitive advantage: employing people with disability.

With an estimated 946,000 people employed in hospitality and approximately 18% of Australians living with disability, forward-thinking employers are recognising an incredible opportunity.

Far from being a challenge, employing people with disability is proving to be one of the smartest business decisions hospitality leaders can make.

Recent research funded by Endeavour Foundation – Australia's largest employer of people with disability – reveals inspiring success stories and practical strategies that are transforming workplaces across the sector.

Here’s what the research revealed.

The Success Formula: What Works

A study involving 35 hospitality employers across South Australia uncovered the winning strategies that make disability employment a resounding success.

The research included 14 employers with current experience of employing people with disability, 11 with past experience and 10 with no experience.

The findings highlighted a powerful truth: employers who have employed people with disability become champions of inclusive employment. They don't just hire once – they actively seek out talented individuals with disability because they have witnessed firsthand the value they bring.

"We need a job done. If they can do the job, then that’s all that we require," said one successful employer, emphasising that talent recognition transcends disability.

These experienced employers have developed winning formulas that consistently deliver results, proving that success isn't accidental – it's strategic.

Size Doesn't Limit Success

While the study found that smaller organisations initially perceived higher risks, it also revealed that with the right support and strategies, businesses of all sizes can successfully employ people with disability.

The study included two micro businesses (1-4 employees), 10 small businesses (5-19 employees) and 23 medium-sized businesses (20-199 employees).

The research found that only four of the 35 businesses had engaged with disability employment service providers, despite these services being available at no cost to employers.

Those who used these services reported positive experiences, highlighting a significant opportunity for greater partnerships between the hospitality sector and disability employment providers.

At Endeavour Foundation, we offer:

• Skill development programs: That prepare people with disability for work with us and with other organisations.
• Comprehensive training: That builds both technical skills and workplace confidence.
• Employer support services: To help organisations find the right talent.
• Ongoing coaching: To ensure successful workplace integration.
• Customised solutions: Tailored to specific industry needs.

Proven Strategies That Create Success

The most successful employers in the study shared practical approaches that consistently delivered positive outcomes:

Smart Scheduling for Success

• Gradual integration: Starting during quieter periods allows for proper skill development.
• Strategic shift planning: Pairing employees with disability with experienced mentors.
• Flexible arrangements: Shorter initial shifts that build confidence and competence.

Training Excellence

• Clear, structured guidance: Step-by-step instructions that set everyone up for success.
• Regular feedback loops: Ensuring continuous improvement and confidence building.
• Disability awareness training: Creating supportive, knowledgeable teams.

Workplace Adaptations That Work

• Simple, effective modifications: Often low-cost or free adjustments that maximise potential.
• Role matching: Aligning individual strengths with organisational needs.
• Supportive team culture: Building environments where everyone thrives.

The Business Advantages Are Real

Successful employers consistently report significant benefits that strengthen their bottom line:

Enhanced Performance Metrics

• Superior retention rates: Employees with disability often demonstrate exceptional loyalty.
• Improved team dynamics: Inclusive workplaces foster better collaboration across all staff.
• Enhanced customer perception: Businesses known for inclusive practices attract more customers.

Operational Excellence

• Reliable workforce: Consistent attendance and dedication to quality.
• Unique perspectives: Fresh approaches to problem-solving and customer service.
• Positive workplace culture: Teams that embrace diversity tend to be more innovative and supportive.

Your Success Partnership: Endeavour Foundation

With decades of experience in inclusive employment, Endeavour Foundation brings unparalleled expertise to help organisations succeed.

Our comprehensive approach covers the entire employment journey.

For People with Disability Seeking Employment

• Skills assessment and development tailored to hospitality industry needs.
• Work readiness programs that build confidence and competence.
• Ongoing support throughout the employment journey.
• Career pathway planning for long-term success.

For Employers

• Talent-matching services to find the perfect fit for your organisation.
• Workplace readiness consultation to ensure smooth integration.
• Training and support for managers and teams.
• Ongoing partnership to address any challenges and celebrate successes.

Real Success Stories

Here is what some employers had to say about their experiences when hiring people with disability:

"They (co-workers) were really good, really accommodating. I think he (employee with disability) was quite nervous and a little bit overwhelmed when he started, but they were really accommodating," said one employer.

Another noted the business benefits: "It was good PR", which generated positive customer responses, demonstrating that inclusive employment practices enhance brand reputation.

Your Next Steps to Success

Ready to build your winning team? Here’s what you should do:

1. Connect with Endeavour Foundation to explore talent-matching opportunities.
2. Invest in team preparation through disability awareness training.
3. Start with confidence knowing comprehensive support is available.
4. Focus on potential rather than perceived limitations.

Why Start Now?

In today's competitive hospitality market, organisations that thrive are those that tap into all available talent pools.

With comprehensive support systems in place and proven success strategies available, there's never been a better time to embrace inclusive employment.

As one experienced employer noted: "Knowledge is something that costs you nothing to pass it forward, and it lasts a lifetime."

This philosophy reflects the collaborative spirit needed to build truly inclusive workplaces.

Building the Future Together

The hospitality industry has an incredible opportunity to lead by example in creating inclusive, successful workplaces.

With Endeavour Foundation's expertise and support, combined with a wealth of knowledge from successful employers, every organisation can build winning teams that include people with disability.

The question isn't whether you can afford to employ people with disability – it's how quickly you can get started to gain the competitive advantages that inclusive employment delivers.

Ready to Unlock Your Organisation's Potential?

Connect with us today and discover how inclusive employment can transform your business.

Enquire Now

This research was conducted by Claire Hutchinson, Ashokkumar Manoharan and Janice Jones from Flinders University, with funding support from Endeavour Foundation.