Australia Post has launched a new tool for team members with disability to capture and share their details and adjustment requirements in their own words, removing the need for them to explain their circumstances every time they change roles or managers within the organisation.
The new Workplace Adjustment Passport, which is integrated with Australia Post’s existing employee systems, builds on the organisation’s commitment towards inclusivity and supporting the more than 2,000 team members who identify as having a disability.
Australia Post executive general manager, people & culture Susan Davies said the passport, together with updated guidelines, will ensure all team members have the right support and access to meaningful work.
“The passport allows us to manage workplace adjustments with dignity and respect, ensuring people with disability feel seen, heard and valued. We want all our team members to be engaged at work and feel confident to explore future opportunities with us,” she said.
Postal delivery officer Nancy Bezerra, said her workplace adjustment plan helped her go back to work after her speech was impacted by cancer treatment and she plans to return to her original role as a postal services officer.
“My manager has provided workplace adjustments so I can have refresher training and return to doing what I love, which is being a PSO,” Bezerra said. “I worked as a PSO for two years and acquired a lot of knowledge, so it’s important that I return to my original role and I’m happy to be working towards that. I love serving customers and the environment at Coburg post office.”
Coburg post office manager Michael Brogden said Nancy was a valuable team member and it was important to support team members with disability.
“Sometimes that means making changes at work so they can do their job effectively and most workplace adjustments don’t cost anything,” he said. “You just have to listen to what they are saying and focus on solutions, not barriers.”
Australia Post has a longstanding commitment to creating an inclusive organisation for people with disability. It is the largest Australian employer to successfully complete the Australian Network on Disability ‘Disability Confident Recruiter’ program.
In July, Australia Post celebrated three years of its employee led network Accessibility Matters, which helped to improve access and inclusion for people with disability.
Image: Nancy Bezerra and Michael Brogden