New research reveals part time employment is key to success for people with disability

WISE Employment has announced research findings that uncovered part time work arrangements have a positive effect on the overall wellbeing of people with disability.

Currently, Australian government employment services place greater emphasis on the unemployed finding full time work – regardless of their skillset, capacity or circumstances. Contrary to this, the research findings reveal that positive benefits on health, wellbeing, family, future career and broader economy are achieved through placement in part time employment.

Levels of employment are significantly lower for those with disability in comparison to non-disabled peers, however for those within the labour force, many partake in part time employment as an active choice for their overall wellbeing.

The research finds that part time work improves the wellbeing of people with disability and potentially carers and this also comes with reduced costs in terms of healthcare and in particular mental health services.

The research was undertaken by a consortium including the University of New South Wales (Canberra), the University of Melbourne and Monash University and was commissioned by WISE Employment in 2021.

WISE Employment wanted to assess the effect of part time work (less than 30 hours) on people with disability. In this context, the research sought to understand the economic and health benefits of part time employment of Disability Employment Service (DES) participants to the federal government, as well as to carers and family members.

WISE Employment conducted both qualitative and quantitative research that surveyed WISE Employment Disability Employment Service (DES) customers and analysed data from more than 14,000 DES jobseekers. The research was drawn from findings sourced from both the research team and existing Australian Government data.

WISE Employment Deputy Chief Executive Ary Laufer is committed to unveiling the benefits of part time work as a stepping stone to full time employment for those with disability.

“Through our research, we now understand part time work can be a bridge to full time employment for those entering or re-entering the workforce, allowing individuals with a disability to develop important skills to maintain their health, lifestyle and support networks,” said Laufer.

“Giving individuals the option to prioritise part time employment over full time means they have the space to implement sustainable changes throughout their lives. It also correlates to fewer people exiting the workforce as they’re able to acquire the right skillset at their own pace, rather than feeling overwhelmed.”

The research also uncovered an estimated economic benefit of $62.5 million in annual savings on health care services would be acquired if almost 552,000 individuals on the DES program or those with a disability seeking assistance from Workforce Australia were moved from not working to part-time employment.

This would result in 676,000 fewer health care services used, 108,000 fewer mental health services and 212,000 fewer mental health prescriptions.

The research highlights the opportunity to change government policy on acquiring full time work, and provide opportunities for those who might want to engage in part time employment. This process places greater emphasis on strengthening skills for the position, providing flexibility with personal circumstances and benefits overall health and wellbeing, future career opportunities and even the broader economy.