The recent launch of “The Difference”, report on poverty, social exclusion and disadvantage has opened up important conversations and created a flurry of interest, with many of you asking, “How can I help?”

 If you own or run a business that employs people, then you are in a unique position to help the disadvantaged, and help yourself at the same time! Read on to find out more…

 Unemployment – Undermining Well-being

 One of the report’s key indicators is the employment to population ratio. Unemployment and underemployment can directly cause, contribute to or exacerbate the other indicators: drug abuse, house-hold debt, homelessness, suicide and more. Clearly then, to stop some of these problems occurring or to reverse them entirely, sustainable employment is a part of the solution for helping people get their lives back on track.

Disability and Mental Illness – the Untouchables

 One group who easily fall prey to poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion are those with a disability, including those with a mental illness. Not only do they have to cope with their condition, but also suffer the unfair stigmatisation and exclusion that stems from myth, ignorance, fear and stereotype. They also suffer an alarmingly high rate of unemployment (2007, Mental Health Council of Australia).

 People with a disability are no different from the rest of population in that they have a right to the dignity, self-sufficiency and economic independence and freedom that work brings.  All people have the right to employment in conditions that promote and reflect equity, human dignity, security  and  respect (Waghorn, & Lloyd, 2010). And, people with a mental illness want to work (Mental Health Council of Australia, 2007).

 Employment, A Healthy Solution

People with a mental illness can and do work. In 2007, almost half (45%) of all Australians had experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime.  And according to data on GP activity for 2004-05, depression is the fourth most common problem managed in general practice (ABS, 2007).And that's only one type of illness-there are many more.

Given these figures, the chances are high that you as an employer already have, or will have, an employee suffering a mental illness in your midst. You just may not know it.

 And at some stage, nearly all of us face a disability of some sort; be it through the aging process or the onset of a temporary or chronic illness. Disability then, is more wide-spread and ‘normal’ than we at first think.

 A large proportion of people with a mental illness want to work and see it as important to their recovery (Mental Health Council, 2007). The academics agree. Lloyd (2010) sees work as so crucial, he advocates it as part of a recovery-centred approach. This is where you come in. As an employer, you can make a visible, tangible difference.

 How

The key is to create roles for people with a disability that allow the organisation to meet their resource requirements as well as capitalise on social and ethical responsibility through employing a person with a disability.

 The benefits flow both ways:

Benefits to Employer

• Reduced absenteeism and increased retention: people-with a disability want to work
• Loyalty and commitment-for the same reason as above
• Strengthen workplace morale
• Comply with national and international legislation

 Benefits to Employee

• personal growth and development
• increased financial security
• sense of belonging
• increased self esteem and confidence
• opportunity to learn new skills
• increased community involvement,

…and isn’t that what all of us hope to get from our work?

What do I from here?

If you’ve read this far, then something has sparked your interest. This interest can easily be transformed into positive action. Here’s how:

 Ostara Australia is a disability employment service that provides advocacy and employment assistance for people with disabilities.  As an employer, there is an array of services and benefits available to you. Contact us and we will put you in touch with your nearest Employment Consultant who will introduce our services-what we can do for you-and discuss your options and benefits. 1300 656 294

 The Final Word

 There is no doubt employment is a crucial piece of the puzzle. It is a central aspect of life for most people, and affords benefits such as social inclusion, economic security, personal identity and a sense of contribution to the community (Waghorn & Lloyd, 2010). Indeed, sustainable employment is an antidote to much of the poverty, social exclusion and disadvantage that “The Difference” was created to address, and wants your help to address.

 So now, you can not only do something concrete and practical to help someone regain their place in life and society (and feel good about doing it), but help your bottom line at the same time!

But I have Questions...

 At this point, you may have questions about hiring someone with a disability or mental illness.

 Follow the link to the FAQ of employers for answers to your most pressing questions.

 References

ABS (4102.0) Australian Social Trends, 2009. (Information is based on a survey compiled in 2007) cited in www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Lloyd, Chris, 2010, ‘Vocational Rehabilitation and Mental Health’ Wiley-Blackwell, UK

Mental Health Council of Australia, 2007, ‘Let’s Get to Work- A National Mental Health Employment Strategy for Australia’  Australia

 1 April 2011