Understanding workplace adjustments for your staff
Practical, effective, and equitable solutions and resources for Australian businesses and their staff.
What are workplace adjustments?
Workplace adjustments are changes made to ensure employees with disabilities, illness, or injury can perform their job to the best of their ability. These adjustments help create an inclusive and supportive environment while ensuring all employees have equal access to employment opportunities.
Why workplace adjustments matter
Providing reasonable adjustments not only supports employees in achieving their full potential but also ensures compliance with legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA). These adjustments benefit both employees and employers by fostering a more productive and engaged workforce.
Examples of workplace adjustments and modifications
- Adjusting work hours to allow for medical appointments.
- Providing additional training or supervision to employees with learning disabilities.
- Ensuring office layouts and entrances are wheelchair accessible.
- Offering telecommuting options or remote work opportunities for employees unable to travel to the office.
Want more information on making workplace adjustments or funding? Contact our team.
Types of workplace adjustments
- Physical adjustments:
These include modifications to the physical workspace, such as installing ramps, adjusting desk height, or providing ergonomic chairs to ensure comfort and accessibility for all employees. - Job role adjustments:
Altering the duties or responsibilities of a job to accommodate an employee’s limitations. This could involve reallocating tasks, changing work hours, or offering flexible working arrangements. - Technology and equipment:
Providing assistive technology or equipment, such as screen readers, voice recognition software, or adapted keyboards, to help employees perform their tasks effectively. - Workplace policy adjustments:
Reviewing and updating workplace policies to ensure they are inclusive, such as flexible work schedules, additional leave options, or changes in communication methods to meet the needs of employees with disabilities.
Implementing workplace adjustments
- Open dialogue:
Start by discussing the employee’s specific needs and concerns. Every individual is different, so it’s essential to tailor adjustments to meet their specific requirements. - Workplace assessment:
Conduct a thorough assessment of the workspace to identify areas that might require adjustments. JobAccess provides resources and assessments to assist employers in understanding what changes are necessary. - Financial support:
Many adjustments, such as equipment or software, can be costly. However, Australian employers may be eligible for funding through programs like JobAccess, which offers advice and financial assistance for workplace adjustments. - Review and monitor:
After implementing adjustments, regularly review their effectiveness. Ensure the employee is comfortable and that the changes meet both their needs and the company’s requirements. Make changes as needed to accommodate evolving needs.
How we can help you support your staff
Workplace assessment
Our qualified team will conduct a workplace assessment to see how your staff member is performing in their job, what barriers to employment they are currently experiencing and what supports they may need to continue working.
Advice about job redesign
We can advise you and your employee on appropriate job redesign so they can keep working. This process may include analysing and customising elements of a role such as hours of work, location of work, duties and responsibilities, work expectations and key performance indicators.
Workplace modifications or special equipment
We can recommend appropriate tools, equipment or technological aids to ensure your staff member can keep working. Our team can also advise on eligibility for funding for workplace modifications or specialised equipment from the government’s Employment Assistance Fund.
Allied health interventions
We can help your staff access allied health and specialist interventions such as physiotherapy, occcupational therapy, pain management and counselling sessions.
Team learning sessions
Where appropriate, we can run team learning sessions for management and team mates to help build an encouraging and understanding work environment.
Ongoing support
We offer continuous, specialised employment support for as long as your employee needs, with a minimum commitment of 12 months.
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