The truth about why inclusive hiring works

Starting your first job can be overwhelming, but with the right supports in place, everyone can find meaningful work and thrive.

This is the message Northcott customer Nathan shared at Ability First Australia‘s 9th Annual Charity Golf Day this year, speaking about the impact inclusive employment has for people with disability.

Nathan talked about getting a job while completing Northcott’s Work and Study program, which is delivered in partnership with Ability First Australia.

He addressed an audience of industry leaders, including Ability First Australia CEO Andrew Rowley and David Jones CEO Scott Fyfe, sharing his success securing a role as a Logistics Assistant at David Jones.

Eight months into his role, Nathan loves his job and the opportunities it has created.

“The things I enjoy most are packing orders and unpacking products in the dock,” he says.

While learning new tasks has presented challenges, Nathan recognises this as a key part of his growth, saying that “learning new tasks that are unfamiliar has helped me build confidence.”

Nathan says that while completing the Work and Study program, he “listened to the advice he received and developed new skills.” The ongoing support he has received from David Jones has been critical to his success: “Support helps me learn the new tasks at work,” Nathan says.

Inclusive hiring is not only beneficial to people with disability, but for workplaces as well.

The Diversity Council of Australia’s Inclusion@Work Index 2021–2022 found that employees in inclusive teams are:

• 11 times more likely to be highly effective
• 10 times more likely to be innovative
• 4 times less likely to leave their job in the next 12 months, and
• 5 times less likely to experience discrimination and/or harassment

The same research found that 77% of Australian workers support their organisation to create a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Addressing employers who might be considering hiring someone with disability, Nathan encouraged organisations to take a strengths‑based approach.

“Understand people’s strengths and abilities,” he says.

Nathan’s experience shows that inclusive hiring works. When employers recognise strengths and provide the right support, they don’t just open doors for individuals, they unlock real value for their teams.

Northcott’s Work and Study program helped Nathan to understand his own strengths, succeed at work and make the most of a great opportunity.