How to Prepare Your Business for Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA)

Inclusive employment is about to change. Is your business ready to take advantage?

From November 2025, a smarter, more flexible model will reshape how Australian employers engage with people with disability.

It is called Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA).

Those who prepare now will be first to access new talent, new supports and inclusive recruitment opportunities.

Whether you're already hiring people with disability or considering inclusive hiring for the first time, this guide outlines the key steps to ensure your business is ready for IEA.

1. Understand the IEA Disability Employment Model

IEA replaces the existing Disability Employment Services (DES) model with a more responsive, outcomes-focused approach that benefits both employers and jobseekers. Key changes include:

• Tailored support services: Participants are placed into either ‘intensive’ or ‘flexible’ services based on their readiness
• No support time limit: Ongoing workplace support is available for as long as it's needed
• Expanded eligibility: IEA opens access to a broader talent pool, including people with disability not currently receiving income support

Action: Book a call with Endeavour Foundation to receive personalised employer support and learn how these changes can align with your workforce needs and diversity goals.

2. Identify Roles Suited for Inclusive Hiring

IEA is not a one-size-fits-all program. The goal is to match supported jobseekers with meaningful roles that meet real business needs. Start by reviewing:

• Entry-level or high-turnover roles
• Bundled or task-based roles suited to part-time work
• Opportunities across multiple locations

Action: Build a list of roles that could be matched to candidates through Endeavour Foundation’s Inclusive Employment Australia support service.

3. Evaluate Onboarding and Workplace Accessibility

Under IEA, your business will receive hands-on support for recruitment, onboarding and retention, but it helps to plan early. Consider the following:

• Are your onboarding materials accessible?
• Can job roles accommodate flexible hours or work trials?
• Do you have internal champions or mentors to support new hires?

Action: Ask Endeavour Foundation about a workplace accessibility assessment and potential funding for workplace modifications.

4. Engage Your Internal Teams Early

The success of inclusive employment relies on internal buy-in. Make sure hiring managers and frontline leaders understand:

• The benefits of inclusive hiring, from team culture to staff retention
• That Endeavour Foundation will deliver post-placement support and job coaching
• That there’s financial support available to de-risk the process

Action: Host an internal briefing to educate hiring managers and team leaders on IEA and the benefits of inclusive hiring.

5. Understand IEA Wage Subsidies and Incentives

Employers may be eligible for IEA wage subsidies of up to $10,000, but access depends on early engagement and correct documentation. Other supports may include:

• Trial placement funding
• On-the-job coaching
• Ongoing retention support tailored to your workplace

Action: Ask Endeavour Foundation about funding eligibility and how to integrate it into your recruitment planning.

6. Register Early to Be Ready for IEA

When IEA launches in November, eligible candidates from the current DES system will transition to new providers.

Action: Registering your interest now ensures you receive important updates, practical tips and resources to help you prepare for a smooth start.

Why Partner with Endeavour Foundation?

With 70+ years of experience supporting people with disability, Endeavour Foundation is one of Australia’s leading inclusive employment providers. We work with businesses of all sizes, from local SMEs to national brands, to deliver:

• Tailored recruitment support aligned with your workplace needs
• Ongoing post-placement coaching to help new hires succeed
• Access to work-ready candidates who are supported, prepared and motivated
• Guidance on wage subsidies, onboarding and workplace adjustments

We understand the new model inside and out, and we’re ready to guide your business through every step of the transition.

Whether you're hiring for one role or planning inclusive recruitment at scale, we’ll help you build a confident, capable and inclusive workforce.

Inclusive Hiring Starts Now

Inclusive Employment Australia represents a smarter, more business-aligned approach to recruitment. For employers, it delivers:

• Access to a broader talent pipeline
• Tailored support for inclusive hiring
• Financial incentives to de-risk new roles

Don’t wait until November. Start preparing today and position your business as a leader in inclusive employment.

Get IEA-Ready with Us

At Endeavour Foundation we can help you:

• Identify inclusive hiring opportunities
• Access wage subsidies and post-placement support
• Match with candidates aligned to your needs

Register your interest in Endeavour Foundation below to receive important updates, practical tips and resources to help you prepare for the transition to Inclusive Employment Australia, or click here to learn more.