| An Employer's Guide to Hiring |
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FAQ: An Employer's Guide To Employing Someone With a Disability
Does someone with a disability require more sick leave?
Are they more at risk of accident and will increase my insurance costs?
Are people with a disability less productive than other workers?
Isn't there a risk of someone with a mental illness becoming violent?
Are people with mental health conditions able to work?Will I need to supervise them more?
Isn't someone with a mental illness better off doing simpler tasks?
Will a person with a mental health condition have trouble fitting in?
Will a person with a disability require more of my manager's attention?.
Does someone with a disability require more sick leave?No. Employees with disabilities take less sick-leave than their colleagues. A study conducted on behalf of Telstra found that over a 15 month period, people with a disability had 11.8 days absent, compared to people without a disability who had 19.2 days absent (2010, Australian Network on Disability). Similarly, Graffam et.al (2002) also found employees with disability take fewer sick leaves than their colleagues.
Are they more at risk of accident and will increase my insurance costs?Research has shown that despite perceptions otherwise, employees with a disability do not have a higher risk of occupational injury (Australian Compensation and Safety Council (ASCC).
Are people with a disability less productive than other workers?This question reflects an assumption that people with a disability are all the same, rather than individuals. People's disabilities vary widely as to the type and the impact of their condition. They possess different talents, skills, limitations and abilities, just like any other person. For some, their disability will impact on performance with some tasks, for others the impact may not impinge much on their job at all. Many are eager to prove that they can do the job, and do so to the best of their ability, and work in a way that makes them just as productive as other workers. However where there are concerns, there are a number of Supported Wage packages for which you may be eligible. Talk to your Employment Consultant about eligibility.
Isn't there a risk of someone with a mental illness becoming violent?This question arises from misunderstanding and fear about mental illness that have emanated from sensationalist portrayals in the media, movies and fiction of people with a mental illness as being more violent. People without a mental illness can exhibit aggressive or violent behavior; either with or without the effects of drugs and alcohol. Bullying, shouting and intimidation are examples of workplace behaviours that have been exhibited by people without a diagnosed mental illness; yet they are no less cause for concern. Are people with mental health conditions able to work?People with mental health conditions can and do work. They hold a wide variety of roles and positions, from executive level and senior management to blue-collar jobs. As an example, in recent years a number of Australian politicians have revealed their struggle with mental illness whilst holding down positions of power and responsibility; often for many years. Highly successful and intelligent people who contribute much to the workplace and society can have a mental illness – Winston Churchill not only saved the world, he was witty, erudite—and, he suffered debilitating depression!
Will I need to supervise them more?Sometimes those with a disability are anxious when they commence work, especially if they have been out of work for a long time. They may require a bit more reassurance and support. It is the role of the Employment Consultant to provide additional support to ensure the worker settles into the workplace with as little disruption to business as possible.
Isn't someone with a mental illness better off doing simpler tasks?Not necessarily. People with a mental illness have a wide range of skills and abilities in the same way that people who do not have a mental illness do. Many hold tertiary or trade qualifications and work as professionals, managers and administrators. Your Employment Consultant will work with you and your potential employee to create or find a position that makes the best use of your employee's talents and limitations, the same as you would do with any other employee .
Will a person with a mental health condition have trouble fitting in?You are probably already working with people who have a mental health condition, you just don't know it. A significant proportion of Australians will experience an episode of mental illness in any one year; but they are likely turning up to work! In most respects, working with someone with a mental illness may not be different to working with anyone else. What modifications to the workplace will I need to make, and does this mean purchasing expensive technology? Most people with a disability require no modifications, or if modifications are to be made, they are usually simple and inexpensive. Adjustments include flexible working hours, "time out" or rest periods, adjusting work stations or seating, enhanced lighting, allowing more time for training .
Will a person with a disability require more of my manager's attention?An employee with a disability will require individual attention from time to time, the same as any employee. As part of reasonable adjustment, it may mean from time to time a manager may have to do things for an employee with a disability that they would not do for other employees-just as other employees from time to time make special requests and demands.
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Graffam,J., Shinkfield, A., Smith,K., & Polzin, U. (2002b) Employer benefits and costs of employing a person with a disability. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation Australian Safety and Compensation Council, Are People with Disability at Risk at Work? A Review of the Evidence. © Copyright Ostara Australia 2011. You may request permission to use the article in part or whole by contacting: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Last Updated 29/04/2011 |