Hayden had a clear vision of the type of workplace that would allow his strengths to shine, Mandurah RSL was ready to become a more inclusive employer, and MatchWorks made the connection.
“We know people with disability … thrive when they are in meaningful work and passionate about their contribution,” MatchWorks group general manager Sue Osman said.
“At the same time, businesses that employ people with disability evolve into more inclusive workplaces with great workplace culture and where staff can focus on the tasks they excel at most.
“It’s about changing attitudes and dropping assumptions that can be mistakenly formed without seeing the strengths and abilities people with disability possess.”
MatchWorks, the employment services division of genU, specialises in bringing together prospective employers and employees, with Ms Osman saying the organisation served as an ‘expert employment matchmaker’.
“From the feedback we receive from employers, they report how their workplace cultures improve due to the diversity among staff, and a positive impact is seen across many levels,” Ms Osman said.
MatchWorks is committed to being innovative to meet the needs of today’s jobseekers and employers, while remaining embedded within the community and familiar with current challenges and solutions.
Mandurah RSL is one of many organisations that have tapped into MatchWorks’ services and has been embracing the opportunity to be more inclusive by creating customised roles.
A successful employment matchmaking took place recently when Hayden – a jobseeker who registered as a voluntary Disability Support Pension participant with Mandurah MatchWorks last year – joined Mandurah RSL’s team several months ago.
Mandurah RSL secretary Jeff Beaman (left) says Hayden is a valued member of the team.
Hayden had a clear vision of the type of workplace he wanted to be part of, picturing a calm, supportive work environment driven by a small team with limited social interaction.
He was confident that a workplace meeting his requirements would allow his strengths to shine and for him to become a successful team member.
The MatchWorks team worked closely with Hayden’s NDIS support worker to help him build his confidence, prepare for job interviews in small group sessions, and acquire skills including his forklift licence.
MatchWorks employment engagement partner Laurissa Howells met with Hayden to learn about his unique interests and abilities and she identified the immense value he would bring to a workplace.
“The disability community is full of people wanting the opportunity to show what they can do in a supportive and caring workplace.” MatchWorks group general manager Sue Osman
Ms Howells approached Mandurah RSL to explore the possibility of a customised role, outlining the benefits of MatchWorks’ Post-Placement Support and Wage Subsidy programs as well as the type of tasks Hayden would enjoy and excel at.
The RSL responded enthusiastically, inviting Hayden for an interview that day.
The collaborative effort between Ms Howells and the RSL team brought to fruition a role that matched Hayden’s skills and preferences and he began his new employment right away.
Hayden quickly established a steady work routine and reported back to MatchWorks that it was “the best job he had ever had”.
Mandurah RSL secretary Jeff Beaman spoke highly of Hayden’s contribution and commitment to the RSL team.
“Hayden is polite, courteous, and a valued member of our team,” Mr Beaman said.
“Since joining the RSL, he’s received numerous compliments. Hayden has taken great care of our large outdoor garden, which is now a favourite spot for the local Garden Club, Orchid Society, and RSL patrons alike.
“We truly appreciate his strong work ethic and dedication.”
MatchWorks group general manager Sue Osman says workplace cultures improve when there is diversity among staff.
Ms Osman said the story of Hayden and Mandurah RSL was a reminder of what was possible when employment was approached with understanding, flexibility and careful consideration of a person’s talents and strengths.
“The disability community is full of people wanting the opportunity to show what they can do in a supportive and caring workplace,” Ms Osman said.
The latest research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that the rate of employment for working age people with disability was 56 per cent, compared to 84 per cent for people without disability.
Ms Osman said businesses gain enormous benefits when they choose to be part of the solution to unemployment levels.
“We can address this imbalance if we use our combined expertise to get more people with disability into employment,” she said.
MatchWorks specialises in helping businesses to smoothly implement the change that can create supportive and inclusive work environments where people with disability have the opportunity to become valued employees.
By Hearts and Minds
