Inclusive Recruitment: Unlocking Potential and Building a Stronger Workforce

Inclusive recruitment is the key to solving hiring and retention challenges

Hiring and keeping good staff is harder than ever. Many businesses face high turnover, long hiring times, and low morale. At the same time, job seekers want workplaces that are fair, respectful, and inclusive.

Inclusive recruitment is the solution. It helps employers reach more candidates, build stronger teams, and improve workplace wellbeing.

Research from Diversity Council Australia shows that inclusive workplaces are more productive and innovative. They are also less likely to lose staff or face legal issues. View the Case for Inclusion@Work report >

What is inclusive recruitment and why does it matter?

Inclusive recruitment means giving everyone a fair chance to work—no matter their background. It’s about hiring people from different cultures, ages, genders, abilities, and experiences. It also means making sure they feel respected, connected, and able to grow at work.

According to Diversity Council Australia, inclusion happens when people:

• Feel respected and valued
• Are connected to their team
• Can progress and contribute to success

Inclusive recruitment helps build teams that reflect the community and bring fresh ideas, loyalty, and resilience to your business.

Why inclusive recruitment improves hiring and retention

Inclusive recruitment helps solve common hiring problems by:

• Reaching more job seekers from different backgrounds
• Building teams that work better together
• Improving staff wellbeing and mental health
• Reducing turnover and burnout
• Creating a fair and trusted workplace culture

Diversity Council Australia research shows:

• Workers in inclusive teams are 3× less likely to leave
• They’re 6× more likely to say work helps their mental health
• They’re 8× more likely to feel satisfied at work

How ETC supports inclusive recruitment

ETC supports employers to build diverse, inclusive, and resilient teams. We don’t just promote inclusion—we live it. ETC has a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy. This strategy helps make our workplace inclusive, respectful, and welcoming.

From our experience, we know the challenges and benefits of having an inclusive hiring strategy. We are here to help other employers do the same.

We can help you:

• Connect with job-ready candidates – including people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities
• Navigate inclusive recruitment practices – with support for interviews, onboarding, and workplace adjustments
• Access Government-funded wage subsidies – up to $10,000 for eligible hires through programs like Workforce Australia
• Receive tailored support for your new employee – including mentoring, training, and post-placement check-ins
• Build a more inclusive workplace – with practical advice on accessibility, cultural awareness, and team wellbeing

Who you can hire through inclusive recruitment

Diverse hiring practices help employers connect with candidates who bring valuable skills, perspectives, and lived experiences to the workplace. These practices focus on removing barriers and broadening your talent pool to include people who:

• Live with disability or health condition
• Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• Come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Are older workers or young people entering the workforce
• Identify as LGBTQIA+
• Have experienced challenges finding work

Candidates from these backgrounds often bring resilience, loyalty, and fresh thinking to your team. By using inclusive hiring practices, employers can create stronger and more diverse workplaces. This also helps provide meaningful opportunities for those who need them most.

Why it matters

Inclusive recruitment and diverse hiring practices don’t just benefit individuals—they strengthen businesses and communities. By opening your doors to a wider range of candidates, you can build a more resilient, innovative, diverse and inclusive workplace.

ETC is here to support you every step of the way. We help employers and human resources teams connect with suitable candidates, access wage subsidies, and provide post-placement support to help new staff thrive.