Five questions to score your own recruitment process
Our employment consultants ask employers these questions all the time. The answers usually reveal more about the business than any job ad does. Score yourself honestly, one point for each, […]
The jobs nobody owns: how to turn unassigned work into a real role
Ask a business owner which tasks in their business don’t belong to anyone and most can answer straight away. The stock that needs rotating. The paperwork that piles up. The […]
The hidden cost of AI-generated job applications and a smarter way to hire
Your inbox just filled up with 300 applications. Half of them look polished, well-structured, perfectly tailored to your job description. The problem? They probably didn’t take anyone more than a […]
What the most inclusive employers do differently
A new financial year is a natural moment to look at how your business operates and ask what could work better. Workforce planning, budgets, team structures — most employers review […]
Why your best retention strategy might be a 15-minute check-in
Retention is one of the biggest challenges facing Australian employers right now. The cost of losing a worker — advertising, recruitment, onboarding, lost productivity — can easily run into the […]
Digital accessibility 101: Creating inclusive spaces for all
At CoAct, we’re committed to ensuring the digital experience we deliver is fair, usable and dignified for all. In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’re running through the basics […]
Bias in the algorithm: How AI hiring tools may be working against diversity
Artificial intelligence has transformed the way many organisations recruit. From resume screening software to automated interview scoring, AI tools promise speed, consistency and objectivity. But there’s a growing body of […]
Here’s a talent pool most employers ignore
Australia’s labour market is under pressure. Across industries; healthcare, logistics, hospitality, construction and retail, employers are struggling to find and retain reliable workers. Job ads remain high, vacancies go unfilled […]
Balancing the scales: Why employment matters for justice
For many women rebuilding their lives after violence or disadvantage, meaningful work is more than income. Supported by strong employment services and community partnerships, it can be a pathway to […]
What employees won’t tell you in exit interviews
When an employee resigns, most employers ask the same question: “Is there anything we could have done differently?” The answers are usually polite. “I’ve been offered a great opportunity.”“I’m looking […]
Your recruitment process might be filtering out your best workers
Without realising it, businesses often design recruitment and onboarding systems that unintentionally screen out capable, motivated workers, and then struggle with retention when new hires don’t settle in. If you’re […]
11 February: International day of women and girls in science
Practical ways employers can attract more women into non-traditional roles 11 February marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a global reminder of the ongoing gender imbalance in […]
Why every employer should complete a DEI health check
In today’s competitive labour market, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are more than just buzzwords. They are strategic priorities that contribute to stronger workplaces and better business outcomes. A DEI […]
What the new Inclusive Employment Australia contract means for employers
CoAct Connect is one of Australia’s most trusted Inclusive Employment Australia providers. We bring together a network of not-for-profit community organisations, who deliver Inclusive Employment Australia nationally. We’re excited to […]
Everyone’s asking R U OK? But what do you say if you’re not?
We all appreciate being asked “How are you going?”, but when you’re not really okay, knowing how to respond can be tough. Here’s how to be honest and how the […]
R U OK? How to know the signs and what to do if someone’s not OK.
We all have good days and tough days. Sometimes the people around us might be struggling, even if they don’t show it. Asking “R U OK?” can make a big […]
Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025
This week, from 17–23 March, we proudly join communities worldwide for Neurodiversity Celebration Week. It’s a chance to not only challenge myths and misconceptions but also to spotlight the meaningful […]
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day: 21st March
Every year on March 21st, the world comes together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). This day holds a special significance, not just for those living with Down syndrome, […]
Navigating sensory disabilities in the work environment
At CoAct, we believe that everyone deserves a workplace where they can thrive, regardless of ability. For employees living with sensory disabilities, navigating the workplace can present unique challenges, but […]
Celebrating CoAct’s NESA Employment Consultant of the Year finalists
We’re excited to announce that CoAct and frontline staff from our amazing service partners have been named as all three finalists in the Employment Consultant of the Year category for […]
Work/Life balance and what job seekers really want
When it comes to attracting (and keeping!) top talent, you need to consider more than just the base salary and benefits you’re able to offer. For many people, work/life balance […]
Why a diverse workforce is important for business
Crafting a diverse and inclusive workforce can provide incredible benefits to your business. An inclusive working environment nurtures creativity and innovation, creates happier and more committed staff and can attract […]
How to run an accessible meeting: Practical tips for inclusion
Ensuring your meetings are accessible to all employees and stakeholders is key to fostering inclusion in your business. Accessible meetings ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate and […]
Creating accessible and inclusive induction programs
When welcoming new employees, particularly those living with disability it’s essential to have an inclusive and accessible induction process. A well-planned induction helps new staff feel comfortable, supported, and engaged […]
How Bowen Flexi Care leads the way in inclusive hiring
Bowen Flexi Care, a community-based respite and care provider in Queensland, is a shining example of how inclusive hiring can be a win-win for both employers and employees. When Brent, […]
How Impulse Purchase Specialists embraced inclusive hiring with Thomas
Impulse Purchase Specialists, a Sydney-based business, has become a prime example of the benefits of inclusive hiring by providing meaningful employment to Thomas, a 24-year-old with an intellectual disability. For […]
Creating an Accessible Workplace: A Checklist for Employers
Creating an accessible office is an ongoing process that requires commitment and regular review. By following this checklist, you’ll be well on your way to creating an inclusive workplace environment […]
Supporting Parents Returning to Work: A Win-Win for Employers
In today’s competitive job market, smart employers know that creating a diverse and inclusive workplace isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also good for business. One often-overlooked opportunity […]
Retention tips for employers: Keeping your best seasonal staff engaged
Seasonal staff play a vital role in helping employers manage the increased demands during the Christmas season. While seasonal employees are typically hired on a short-term basis, many of your […]
How to attract seasonal workers for the busy Christmas period
The holiday season is one of the busiest times for many industries, especially retail, hospitality, and logistics. As the demand for goods and services increases, so does the need for […]
Hiring People With Disabilities: ICS Service Solutions Case Study
When Glen found himself confronted with his own bias about recruiting people with disabilities he took action to make the changes he wanted to see in the world and, in turn, […]
How employers can support young people entering the workforce
For young people, entering the workforce can be both exciting and challenging. They bring fresh ideas, energy, and a desire to learn, but may lack the professional experience needed to […]
Are your job descriptions scaring away top talent?
Writing job descriptions is often a routine part of the hiring process. Copy and paste the same text, adjust the role title, and publish it across job boards. But what […]
Experience pays off: The business case for hiring mature-aged workers
In today’s dynamic workforce, there is often a focus on younger employees and the benefits they bring. However, mature-aged workers, typically defined as those aged 50 and over, offer a […]
Unconscious bias in interviewing: How biases are influencing your hiring decisions
Hiring the right candidate can be one of the most challenging aspects of running a business. While most employers strive to make fair and objective decisions, unconscious bias often sneaks […]
Interviewing 101: Tips for employers and HR teams
For many employers and HR professionals, interviewing can be a challenging process. It’s not just about finding someone with the right qualifications. You’re also assessing their fit within the company […]
Common hiring mistakes employers make (and how to fix them)
Hiring the right employees is crucial for any business, yet it’s a process fraught with challenges. Despite their best intentions, many employers make mistakes during hiring that lead to poor […]
How to create a flexible work environment: Employer tips
With the rise in demand for flexible hours, remote work and alternative working arrangements it has become increasingly important for businesses to be openminded about what a happy and productive […]
Disclosing Mental Health Conditions to Your Employer: 6 Points to Consider
If you struggle with your mental health, you’re not alone. Recent studies show that 1 in 5 adults will experience mental health issues in any given year, and 44% will […]
Employer spotlight: Youth Projects x Staff Australia
In August 2022 CoAct service partner Youth Projects embarked on a innovative partnership with Staff Australia to create opportunities for young people seeking meaningful employment. About Staff Australia Since 1999, […]
Anxiety in the workplace: Employers breaking the stigma
Many people experience anxiety to some degree with symptoms and effects ranging from mild to debilitating. So, how do we find the support we need and identify employers who are […]
Meet the Inclusive Employment Australia Team at CoAct Connect Stones Corner
“This will be CoAct’s first DES (now Inclusive Employment Australia – IEA) direct delivery site and it will run alongside our Workforce Australia Program, also located at Stones Corner. This […]
What funding is available to employers hiring people with disability?
In April 2023 the Australian government announced new funding for employers recruiting, hiring and retaining people with disability. Australians living with disability and their employers are now eligible for a […]
International Day of People with Disability 2022
Join CoAct in celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on Saturday 3rd December 2022. IDPwD aims to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. It’s a […]
Rachel wears her Kmart employee 10-year name badge with pride
Rachel has been receiving support from CoAct/Community Solutions Mackay for the last 10 years. She has permanent hearing loss and needs regular ongoing support to stay in work. We’ve been […]
When depression affects work performance
According to Better Health, the signs or symptoms of work-related stress can be physical, psychological and behavioural. Physical symptoms of depression include fatigue, muscular tension, headaches, heart palpitations, sleeping difficulties, […]
McDonald’s just got lucky
Four of our customers have joined McDonald’s thanks to determination, hard work and phenomenal support from their recruitment partner, Bron Rafter, at CoAct / Community Solutions. Each one is working […]
GG’s Flowers is all about inclusion
GG’s Flowers is a social enterprise in Canberra that offers meaningful employment to people living with disability. We chatted with founder Nip Wijewickrema, 2016 ACT Young Australian of the Year, […]
Local employer is on the right track to inclusive employment
On Thursday, 27th of February we were very fortunate to invite local employer Katie Weisse, Talent Acquisition Specialist from Aurizon to speak at the Jobs Rockhampton event at Frenchville Sports […]
Overcoming the hidden cost of mental health stigma: What employers need to know
The effects of mental health stigma extend greatly beyond the people living with mental ill-health – it’s impacting businesses too. The irony is that employers who fear hiring people with […]
Why mentally healthy workplaces benefit everyone
The cost of mental health stigma One in five Australians are affected by mental illness annually and 45% of Australians have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime. With those […]
Feeling safe at work? This is what workplace safety looks like
It’s your employer’s responsibility to provide you with a safe and healthy workplace. Unsafe work environments can cause serious physical and mental health complications for workers so it’s important that […]
The employer toolkit making it easy to hire a diverse workforce
This free employer toolkit includes plenty of resources, practical advice and short videos to help employers feel empowered to hire people with disability and understand the process. Five easy-to-follow […]
Priya’s story of support and inclusion
2.2 million Australian’s of working age are living with disability, but they are significantly under-represented in the workforce. We are working to reverse this trend by engaging local communities with […]
5 questions your interviewer shouldn’t ask if you have disability, illness or injury
If you’re a person living with disability, you may be keen to know where you stand with employers. The important thing is to understand what you can and can’t be […]
How your business benefits when you hire someone with a disability
Did you know? There are 2.2 million Australians living with disability who are of working age, but Australians with disability are under-represented in the workforce. In fact, the employment rate […]
Cholok Creates Magic Bubbles at Lush
With the support of CoAct and Bridge Housing’s new initiative, Bridge to Work, job seeker Cholok was able to rebuild her confidence and find employment with beauty brand Lush Cosmetics. […]
Employer of the Year award celebrates new job opportunities for the Bowen community
Woolworths Bowen, nominated by Community Solutions Bowen, has been announced as the winner of the 2018 Employer of the Year Award at the CoAct 20th Anniversary celebration evening in Sydney. […]