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Build an Inclusive Workforce

We’re all kinds of people and all kinds of businesses, working for better. Together, we can create opportunities that strengthen workplaces and communities.
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Unlock Potential. Lead with Inclusion

At Endeavour Foundation, we believe work gives people purpose, and purpose strengthens every business.

For more than 70 years, we have been creating opportunities and championing inclusion for people with intellectual disability and partnering with employers to do the same.

We work with businesses of all sizes, from national organisations to small and medium enterprises, helping them build diverse, capable and loyal teams.

As Australia’s largest employer of people with intellectual disability, we bring unmatched experience and insight. We know what works and how to make inclusion in your workplace simple, sustainable and successful.

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Why Inclusive Employment Matters

Across Australia, businesses are discovering that inclusion is good for people and great for business.

When people of all abilities have the chance to contribute their strengths, organisations thrive and communities grow stronger. Inclusive employment can help your business:

Build Loyal, Motivated Teams
Inclusive workplaces often experience higher morale and lower turnover.

Access Untapped Talent
One in five Australians lives with disability, bringing new perspectives and skills.

Boost Innovation and Productivity
Diverse teams drive creativity, better problem-solving and improved performance.

Strengthen Your Brand and Reputation
Customers and investors value inclusive, socially responsible businesses.

Meet ESG and Responsible Procurement Goals
Show leadership in diversity, inclusion and measurable community impact.

Create Lasting Social Impact
Help build a more equitable Australia where everyone has the chance to contribute.

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How We Partner with You on Inclusive Employment

We work alongside businesses like yours to make inclusive employment simple, successful and fully supported.

Every step reflects our belief that work creates purpose, confidence and connection for individuals, teams and communities. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Consultation and assessment: We take the time to understand your workforce needs and identify opportunities for inclusion.
  2. Co-design and planning: Together, we develop a tailored Inclusive Employment Action Plan that aligns with your business goals.
  3. Recruitment and matching: We connect you with skilled, work-ready candidates whose strengths match your roles.
  4. Training and integration: Your teams receive practical, interactive training to build awareness, confidence and inclusion capability.
  5. Ongoing support and reporting: We provide consistent follow-up, on-the-job coaching and impact reporting so you can share your success.

Ready to Build Your Inclusive Workforce?

Take the first step today. Get in touch with us now.

Why We Work

Hear from one of our business partners as they reveal how inclusive hiring has led to a more empowered team, inspired new thinking and enhanced a workplace culture where everyone feels valued.

Inclusive Employment Solutions for Australian Businesses

We partner with businesses of all sizes to create inclusive employment opportunities that build stronger teams and communities. Whether you're ready to employ directly or just exploring where to start, we'll work with you to design a supported, practical plan that fits your workforce. Your inclusive employment solution may include one or more of:

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Employment Consulting

 

Design an inclusion strategy with our Employer Ready Program.

Our experts help you embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) principles across your business, building confident teams and inclusive workplaces built for success.

 
Learn More

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Host an Employee

 

Experience inclusion in action with Supported Hosted Employment.

We employ the person, and your business provides the workplace. With on-site coaching, training and ongoing guidance, each placement is positive, supported and sustainable.

 
Learn More

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Hire Inclusively

 

Build your workforce with our Mainstream Employment model.

Your business employs directly, and Endeavour Foundation provides onboarding, coaching and check-ins to ensure lasting success for both your team and the employee.

 
Learn More

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Partner with IEA

 

Join the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program.

This national initiative connects you with skilled, independent employees while giving you access to light-touch support that helps inclusion to thrive within your workplace.

 
Learn More

EndeavourIcons-Lilac_SpeechBubble

Employment Consulting

 

Design an inclusion strategy with our Employer Ready Program.

Our experts help you embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) principles across your business, building confident teams and inclusive workplaces built for success.

 
Learn More

EndeavourIcons-Lilac_SupportHeart

Host an Employee

 

Experience inclusion in action with Supported Hosted Employment.

We employ the person, and your business provides the workplace. With on-site coaching, training and ongoing guidance, each placement is positive, supported and sustainable.

 
Learn More

EndeavourIcons-Lilac_Star

Hire Inclusively

 

Build your workforce with our Mainstream Employment model.

Your business employs directly, and Endeavour Foundation provides onboarding, coaching and check-ins to ensure lasting success for both your team and the employee.

 
Learn More

EndeavourIcons-Lilac_SupportShake

Partner with IEA

 

Join the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program.

This national initiative connects you with skilled, independent employees while giving you access to light-touch support that helps inclusion to thrive within your workplace.

 
Learn More

Which Inclusive Employment Pathway Is Right for Your Business?

We offer three inclusive employment pathways so you can choose the best fit for your team, roles and level of workplace readiness. Whether you want to start by hosting an employee, hire directly with ongoing support or partner through Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) to build your workforce, we'll help you find the pathway that fits your business.
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Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce Through Business Solutions

Behind every successful inclusive employment partnership are employees who are confident, skilled and ready to contribute.

Through our national network of Disability Social Enterprise sites, Endeavour Foundation provides real-world training and work opportunities for people with intellectual disability.

Each site operates as part of Endeavour Foundation Business Solutions, delivering high-quality commercial services in packing, recycling, timber and document destruction for Australian businesses. These social enterprises create employment for more than 1000 people with intellectual disability, helping them build skills, confidence and workplace experience.

Many employees who begin in these supported environments go on to work directly with our employer partners through inclusive employment pathways, contributing to stronger workplaces and more inclusive communities.

Explore other ways to work with Endeavour Foundation, including social procurement and corporate partnership opportunities, by visiting Inclusive Business Partnerships.

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Building Inclusive Workplace Capability and Confidence

Inclusive employment works best when teams feel informed and supported.

As part of every employer partnership, Endeavour Foundation helps leaders and teams build the skills and confidence needed to create workplaces where everyone can succeed. Our tailored training and resources include:

  • Disability awareness: Challenge myths, reduce stigma and learn practical communication techniques
  • Inclusion and unconscious bias: Understand the power of inclusion and apply strategies to improve workplace culture
  • Workplace readiness: Prepare your sites for safety, accessibility and inclusivity
  • HR and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) resources: Access guides, templates and compliance information for leaders and HR professionals

These programs are designed to complement our inclusive employment pathways, ensuring your workplace is confident, capable and ready to welcome diverse talent.

Start Your Inclusive Employment

Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future where people and businesses thrive.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. Wage subsidies and other supports are available depending on the employment arrangement.

Through Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA), businesses may be eligible for wage subsidies of up to $10,000 for suitable placements, along with recruitment, onboarding and workplace adjustment support at no additional cost.

Many employees supported through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) already have funded supports such as workplace coaching, assistive technology or travel training, reducing costs and ensuring long-term success.

We partner with you at every stage of your journey to make inclusive employment simple and sustainable. Our team provides tailored guidance from consultation and role-matching through to onboarding, training and ongoing support.

Every workplace is different, but most adjustments are simple and cost-effective. Common examples include:

  • Clear pathways and accessible workspaces
  • Assistive technology such as communication apps or screen readers
  • Structured routines and visual task lists
  • Supportive team environment and mentoring
  • Flexible work design to match capabilities and comfort levels

Endeavour Foundation conducts a workplace readiness assessment before any placement to identify suitable supports or modifications. Many adjustments can be funded, ensuring there’s no added cost for your business.

Inclusive employment is a partnership, and we’re here to support both you and the employee.

If a placement isn’t working, we’ll collaborate with you to identify barriers, adjust roles or provide additional training. If it’s determined the role isn’t suitable, we’ll manage the transition respectfully and help match your business with another candidate. Our goal is to ensure every placement is positive and sustainable for everyone involved.

There is no single ‘best job’. The right role depends on each person’s skills, interests and goals. People with disability contribute across every industry in Australia, from retail, logistics and hospitality to administration, healthcare and technology.

With the right workplace adjustments and support, nearly any role can be adapted to suit an individual’s strengths. We focus on matching employees to roles where they can succeed, grow and feel valued.

Not at all. Endeavour Foundation partners with businesses of every size, from local cafés and small enterprises to national retailers and corporate organisations. Whether you have one available role or multiple sites, we’ll tailor a practical, inclusive employment approach that fits your workforce needs, operational capacity and long-term goals.

Visit the ‘Employer Stories’ category of our articles page to see how Australian businesses are benefiting from inclusive hiring. You’ll find real examples of companies improving retention, productivity and team culture while creating opportunities for people with disability.

It’s simple to begin your inclusive employment journey.

Our team will meet with you to understand your business goals and identify roles that suit inclusive hiring. We’ll then co-design a plan, match suitable candidates and provide ongoing support for you and your team.

 

Enquire Now

Helpful Resources

Your Stories | Work Services | Inclusive Hiring

Power of Advocacy: Championing Disability Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

Brandon is a young disability advocate determined to make a difference, particularly when it comes to creating a more inclusive employment culture. Th...

View Article
Inclusive Hiring

A Partnership Model that Works: Supported Hosted Employment Explained

Create a more inclusive workplace with Supported Hosted Employment. Here’s how it works.

View Article
Inclusive Hiring

Supported Hosted Employment: The Hiring Model You Must Consider

Create a more inclusive workplace and elevate your business by embracing Supported Hosted Employment. Discover what it is all about.

View Article