Get free help to recruit and retain talented workers with disability.
MEANINGFUL CAREERS. THRIVING BUSINESSES. STRONGER COMMUNITIES.
Inclusive hiring makes good business sense. When people with disability access meaningful work, the benefits ripple outward – to families, businesses, and entire communities. The evidence is clear: businesses that employ people with disability see twice the shareholder returns of their competitors. Inclusion isn’t just fair – it’s a competitive advantage.
WORKWAYS’ APPROACH TO INCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT AUSTRALIA
At Workways, we take a tailored approach. We’ll help you explore and identify your unique business requirements, while offering guidance on workplace adjustments, job customisation, training, and help finding job-ready candidates. We’ll continue to support you post-placement to ensure employee success and retention. Eligible employers may also receive wage subsidies for supported job seekers.
WHY WORK WITH WORKWAYS?
We provide free, expert support at every stage – from finding the right candidates to ensuring long-term success. We’ll help you: – Identify your business needs and recruitment goals – Connect with pre-screened candidates – We help you define roles based on outcomes and abilities, then match you with suitable candidates from our talent pool. – Reduce hiring risk – Arrange paid work trials so you and the candidate can assess fit. – Customise roles and workplaces – We help adapt the position to fit individual strengths and your business needs. – On-the-job coaching – Practical guidance and training as employees settle in and build confidence. – Workplace problem-solving – Tailored assessments and strategies to address challenges as they arise. – Support career growth – Connect employees to health and community supports, and identify development opportunities.
Why Hire Inclusively?
Build Stronger Teams and Culture
- Tap into diverse talent, skills and fresh perspectives.Access a wider pool of qualified candidates with unique experiences and approaches to work
- Boost team morale and engagement through inclusion. Diverse teams report higher job satisfaction and stronger workplace relationships
- Drive innovation with employees who excel at problem-solving. People with disability often exhibit creative problem solvnig skills solutions, developed from adapting to challenges throughout their lives.
- Improve retention with loyal, reliable staff. Employees with disability have lower turnover rates and stronger commitment to employers who value them
Increase Your Competitive Edge
- Enhance your reputation as an inclusive employer. Customers and clients increasingly choose businesses that demonstrate genuine commitment to diversity.
- Improve CSR outcomes and tender competitiveness. Inclusive hiring strengthens your social impact credentials and can give you an edge in competitive processes.
- Reduce costs with lower turnover and absenteeism. Employees with disability have better attendance records, take fewer sick days, and stay longer in their roles.
Access Financial Support
- Wage subsidies for eligible employers. Offset initial employment costs while your new employee settles into their role.
- Funding for workplace modifications, including assistive technology and specialised equipment
- Our team handles candidate matching, workplace setup, training, and ongoing coaching at no cost to you.
FREE TRAINING FOR EMPLOYERS
Workways’ “Ways2 Employ” sessions are designed to support you toward building a more inclusive workplace. These engaging one-hour sessions – available both online and in person – offer practical guidance, curated videos, and key resources to help you take meaningful steps toward a truly inclusive organisation.
WAYS2 ATTRACT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY
WAYS2 CONDUCT INCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS
WAYS2 DELIVER INCLUSIVE OBBOARDING
WAYS2 PROVIDE ONGOING SUPPORT
WAYS2 DEVELOP AND ADVANCE
WAYS2 EMPLOY – FREE TRAINING SESSIONS FOR EMPLOYERS BUILDING INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES
Kiah’s Story
Kiah was homeschooled from a young age, struggled with mental health, and hasn’t had a lot of support or guidance to keep her in work. With support from Workways and her new employer, she has broken down those barriers to find work that she enjoys, and is the right fit.
We’re looking forward to connecting more employers and customers – like Hungry Jacks & Kiah – under the Inclusive Employment Australia program.
EMPLOYERS – Register Your Interest for IEA
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
where are workways’ Inclusive Employment AUstralia Offices?
We’re delivering Inclusive Employment Australia in Cairns, Innisfail, Tully, Edmonton, and Port Douglas.
Offices Hours: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
Extended Hours: (Appointment Only) 5pm to 6:30pm Tuesday & Thursday
Cairns: Level 1, Suite 1, 88 Abbott St, Cairns QLD 4870
Innisfail: Level 1, 28 Rankin St, Innisfail QLD 4860
Outreach offices are located in Tully, Edmonton, and Port Douglas.
To find out about accessing our services in these regions:
Call us: 1800 631 196
Or use our Website Form: Click here
WHAT IS Inclusive employment australia?
Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is the Australian Government’s specialist disability employment program, replacing the previous DES model nationally from Nov 1, 2025.
It supports people with disability, injury or health conditions to prepare for, find, and keep work – and connects employers to specialist support, wage subsidies and reasonable adjustment advice.
How is IEA different from DES?
Compared to Disability Employments Services (DES), Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) offers broader eligibility, no time limits, more flexible support options, and an enhanced focus on both job seeker and employer needs.
WHAT IS new about iea?
Broader Access
More people will be able to access the new program, including people with an assessed work capacity of less than 8 hours per week, and voluntary participants not getting a Centrelink income support payment.
No Time Limits
There will no longer be a two-year limit on the time people can stay in the program.
Enhanced Support
People aged 15 and over with disability, injury or a health condition can receive support through services including personalised job coaching, skills development, employer engagement, workplace supports and long-term mentoring.
How does Workways fit into the IEA program?
Workways is a registered provider of IEA services in the Cairns & Innisfail regions. We partner with employers to:
- Identify suitable candidates
- Provide on-the-job coaching and pre-employment preparation
- Help access wage subsidies and funding for workplace modifications
- Offer post-placement support for long-term success
What are the benefits of hiring people with disability?
Employing people with disability can lead to:
- Access to a broader talent pool
- Reduced staff turnover and absenteeism
- Enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty
- Greater innovation and problem-solving
- Improved team morale and engagement
What Financial Support is Available?
- IEA Wage Subsidy: For eligible employers hiring supported job seekers for at least 8 hours/week.
- Supported Wage System: Allows pro-rata wages based on productivity, with all other employment conditions maintained.
- Employment Assistance Fund: Covers costs for workplace modifications, assistive tech, and disability awareness training.
What practical steps can I take to recruit inclusively?
Workways helps employers:
- Define roles based on outcomes and abilities.
- Customise roles to suit individual strengths
- Offer paid work trials to assess fit
- Make interviews accessible (e.g. longer timeslots, support persons)
- Implement reasonable adjustments and modifications
What is Post-Placement Support?
Workways’ post-placement support includes:
- On-the-job coaching
- Workplace assessments
- Career development planning
- Personal support and links to community services It ensures both the employee and employer are set up for long-term success.
What if my current Employee is Struggling due to disability, injury, or illness?
Workways offers Work Assist, a free service to help employees maintain or return to their usual hours. Support includes:
- Job redesign advice
- Workplace assessments
- Access to modification funding
- Inclusivity training for managers
What types of disabilities and conditions does IEA support?
Inclusive Emplyment Australia supports people with:
- Physical disabilities – visible and non-visible conditions affecting mobility, strength, or dexterity
- Mental health conditions – including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health challenges
- Neurodivergence – including ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, and other neurological differences
- Intellectual and cognitive disabilities – including learning difficulties, acquired brain injuries, and developmental delays
- Chronic illness – conditions like diabetes, heart disease, chronic fatigue, or autoimmune disorders
- Injured workers – workplace injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or other acquired conditions