Celebrating Inclusion at Work Week

Uncategorized / 20 November 2024

At Intelife, we are proud to celebrate the Diversity Council of Australia’s Inclusion at Work Week initiative from the 18th to 22nd November.

This annual event is dedicated to highlighting the importance of creating diverse and inclusive workplaces, as part of this, we want to highlight the value of inclusivity for employers and for people living with a disability, and to also celebrate businesses we are working with as part of our Open Employment Program.

People with a disability are twice as likely to be unemployed.

Having a job is a basic human right, and for people with disabilities, it’s life-changing. It’s not just about earning an income—it’s about gaining independence, making choices, and living life on their own terms. Beyond the pay, a job brings purpose, belonging and pride. It boosts confidence, shapes identity, and connects people to their community. Work helps individuals grow, thrive and feel valued, while also improving both mental and physical health.

At its core, having a job is about more than making a living—it’s about truly living.

Employers need employees – particularly committed, loyal employees.

Hiring a person with a disability isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart business. People with disabilities bring a wide range of skills, talents, and unique perspectives that add real value to your team. They offer creativity, resilience, and problem-solving abilities that can drive innovation and success.

Research shows employees with disabilities have higher retention rates, better attendance, and fewer safety incidents, making your workplace more reliable and efficient. Plus, by fostering an inclusive environment, you show customers and the community that your business values diversity, is forward-thinking, and is committed to making a positive impact.

Intelife’s Commitment to Open Employment in Busselton

At Intelife, one of the many ways we are committed to creating these opportunities is through our Open Employment Program. This initiative focuses on placing people with disabilities into meaningful work roles within the Busselton community. We partner with local businesses to match the right talent to the right job, ensuring a supportive environment where both the employer and employee can thrive.

While still in its infancy, this Program will assist local businesses to be more inclusive and we are excited by the level of engagement from local businesses and organisations.

We’d like to extend a big thank you to the Busselton Chamber of Commerce for their support in reaching the business community and to the Busselton Beach Resort and The Mermaid Café for their early interest and engagement in supporting this Program.

How You Can Get Involved

If you own or work in a business, take this opportunity to reflect on your current Diversity and Inclusion practices. Celebrate your successes, but also consider areas where you can improve.

Interested in offering work experience or employment to a person with a disability?
Intelife partners with individuals in both Perth and the South West who could be a great fit for your team, reach out to us here to explore how we can work together.

There are plenty of resources and tools available to help employers embrace inclusivity:

Job Access: JobAccess is the national hub for workplace and employment information for people with disability, employers and service providers.

NDS: This resource explores the key considerations you need to take when employing individuals with a lived experience of disability.

Diversity Council Australia: Diversity Council Australia (DCA) is the independent not-for-profit peak body leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Australian Disability Network: The Australian Disability Network is Australia’s peak body helping employers to build the confidence and capability to welcome and include people with disability as employees and as customers.

Inspired to help us enable independence?