Recently, while working with someone who was eager to find work but unsure of the right fit, it reminded me how rarely the path to a dream job is a straight line.
Finding meaningful employment often requires a variety of experiences - opportunities to try different roles, observe firsthand what’s involved, and connect with people already doing the work.
Because really - how can you be what you can’t see?
Expecting to walk straight into your perfect job without exposure or understanding can lead to disappointment. While some may get lucky, most people need time to explore and learn what suits them. Would I enjoy doing that? Could I see myself in that role? These questions can only be answered by experiencing different environments.
This is where employers play a crucial role. The simple act of allowing someone with barriers to employment to shadow your staff - even for a short time and supported by a specialist - can spark a new career or help someone realise a certain role isn't for them, saving time and frustration on both sides.
But the benefits don’t stop there.
We've seen time and again how inclusive practices, when done right and with the right framework, not only help individuals but also enrich the culture of the workplace. Teams become more connected, silos break down, and the act of supporting someone with a disability often brings out the best in people and to each other with more generosity and empathy and understanding. The skills that some employers have benefited from include thinking more innovative when solving problems especially with workforce issues.
The benefit of working with our programs meant that an ulumni employer was able to adjust the way a very experienced worker worked who was slow at typing. They were able to provide a voice to text solution for the person who then produced the same amount of output as his colleagues. This employee didn't have a disability, just found it difficult to adjust to modern technology. But his wealth of experience was still valued. Most organisations may have let him go rather than make adjustments but since they ran one of our programs the ripple effect across the organisation cannot be understated.
If you're thinking about ways to improve your team's cohesion, foster inclusion, and make a real impact, reach out to us. Let’s talk about how you can become a Purposeful Employer with us hello@aequistalent.com.au