By Annette Jönnervik Holmblad MIEP
The Advantages of Supported Employment for Employers
Introduction
Supported employment is designed to help individuals with disabilities secure and maintain meaningful employment. It involves tailored support, such as job coaching, skill development, and workplace accommodations. This is to ensure that the individuals can perform their job duties effectively and integrate smoothly into the workforce. Supported Employment successfully helps people secure and retain paid employment. Supported Employment is also used to support other groups such as ex-offenders and people recovering from drug and alcohol misuse.
The five steps of supported employment
- Client engagement – Like many models of employment intervention, Supported Employment values the initial client engagement process. This is essential to ensure understanding by all parties before progressing on to the next stage of the Supported Employment model. In my previous role as a job coach, I noticed that the will to work sometimes came from some other part in the network, like a parent. If the person doesn’t get the chance to make their own choices and isn’t given empowerment in the process, it will not be successful!
- Vocational profiling – We collect relevant information about the individual’s aspirations, interests, and abilities for work. A vocational profile is used to gather this information.
- Job finding – Job seekers’ skills and abilities are viewed in terms of their relevance and requirement in the open labour market and therefore there is a matching of the job seekers’ employment needs with those of the employers’ needs.
- Working with employers – Service providers need to work close to employers since they can be anxious about employing someone with a significant disability but there’s usually nothing to worry about. Once they’ve tried it out, they often become committed to helping people overcome traditional recruitment and selection barriers.
- On and off job support – Effective support on and/or off the job is the core element of Supported Employment which makes it different from traditional placement services. People with disabilities are no different in having to adapt to changing labour markets and wanting to improve their skills. Supported employment should encourage the career development of individuals by promoting training opportunities and seeking options for increased responsibility.Formulärets överkantFormulärets nederkant
Benefits for employees with disabilities
Employment provides individuals with a sense of purpose, independence, and financial stability, significantly improving their overall quality of life. A study by The Institute for Evaluation of Labour Market and Education Policy (IFAU) a government research institute found that individuals who are employed report higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being compared to those who are unemployed (IFAU Rapport 2020:20, Health effects of labour market policy actions)
Supported employment offers opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, enabling individuals to build new skills and advance their careers. Employment fosters social interaction and helps individuals build professional networks, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of belonging.
Supported Employment in Sweden
Sweden has been at the forefront of promoting supported employment through robust social policies and initiatives. The Swedish government, along with non-governmental organizations and private sector partners, has implemented programs and support for the employment of individuals with disabilities. For example, At Sahlgrenska University Hospital, the Psychiatry Psychosis Division is responsible for the care of people with schizophrenia and similar conditions, who reside in the City of Gothenburg, the City of Mölndal, and the municipalities of Partille, Härryda and Öckerö. They are aimed to support people with mental disabilities who wish to find a job.
Their work is based on the evidence-based model IPS (Individual Placement and Support) recommended by the National Board of Health and Welfare.
The Swedish Public Employment Service provides a range of services, including job coaching, vocational training, and financial incentives for employers who hire individuals with disabilities.
Misa AB, Stiftelsen Activa, Arena för utveckling and Nytida AB are some of the organisations that offer Supported Employment services. I’ve been working in some of these companies myself and have been able to see what kind of life changing matter the Supported Employment program is. Evidence shows [DI1] that for those furthest from the labour market, with multiple barriers, it really works. According to a study done by a friend and former colleague of mine, PhD Student Johanna Gustafsson
“Supported Employment -from a doctoral student’s perspective, Disability and supported employment: impact on employment, income and allowances”.
• SE leads to employment, from 20% to 64% in employment during a two-year period, comparison control group 14% to 35%
• SE provides 25% higher disposable income for the individual, comparison control group 8%
• SE leads to a 50% reduction in grants, comparison with a Control group 9% reduction
• This also applies to people with mental health disability, a group that in politics is referred to as “Difficult”.
Municipalities also work actively with Supported employment, for example Södertälje, Botkyrka, Boden, Skellefteå, Karlstad and Borås.
Challenges and solutions
Lack of awareness and prevalent stereotypes about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities can hinder their employment opportunities. Conducting awareness campaigns, sensitivity training, and promoting success stories of supported employment can help change this. The initiative from ASEE (Association for Supported Employment Europe) with “Jobshadow day or duo day” can promote the model[DI2] , (read more at Jobshadow – SFSE). It is all about highlighting the valuable contribution people with disabilities can and do make at work. It also gives employers an opportunity to express their commitment to inclusion.
Limited resources and funding can restrict the availability and quality of supported employment services. Increased investment from both the government and private sector, along with strategic partnerships, can enhance the reach and effectiveness of these programs.
Employers may be hesitant to hire individuals with disabilities due to concerns about productivity and costs. But according to IFAU report, employers underestimate the work ability of disabled people (IFAU).
The employers who have employed disabled people, 86 percent believe that it has worked as well or better than they initially thought. The main reason is that the employee’s work capacity has turned out to be higher than expected. This is one of the conclusions of the research report “Disabled people with reduced work ability – an employer’s perspective”, authored by Helena Knutsson and Kristian Persson[DI3] (IFAUs raport[TC4] 2001:5)
Showcasing the business benefits of a diverse workforce, and offering comprehensive support can encourage more employers to participate in supported employment programs.
Why Supported Employment is good for employers.
Embracing supported employment reflects a company’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and shows willingness to contribute to the community. This positive image can enhance customer loyalty and attract socially conscious consumers. Companies like IKEA and Spotify have received positive media attention and public recognition for their inclusive employment programs.
Agenda 2030 (https://sdgs.un.org/) is about reducing inequalities and injustices in municipalities, in Sweden and throughout the world. The goals concern, among other things, health, education, work, equality, inclusive societies, democracy, and global cooperation. Several of the 17 sustainability goals refer directly to disabilities. Objectives related to education (4), employment (8), inequality (10), sustainable cities and communities (11) and the objective relating to implementation and global partnership (17).
Prospective employees, especially from the millennial and Gen Z generations (the generation of people born between 1997 and 2012, prefer to work for organizations that are diverse and inclusive.[DI5]
With high expectations and a passion for social impact, Gen Z and millennial workers can be catalysts for change in building a future-proof workforce. (MicheleParmelee, Global People & Purpose leader[DI6] ) 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey: Living and working with purpose in a transforming world (deloitte.com),
A diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Employees with different abilities can offer unique insights that enhance creativity and innovation. This I heard a lot from employers I’ve worked with, that job seekers I’ve supported really gave them new perspectives and showed them new ways of problem-solving.
A workforce that reflects the diversity of the customer base can better understand and meet the needs of a diverse clientele. This alignment can lead to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty. Food retailer ICA has made significant efforts to hire employees with disabilities, which has helped them connect more effectively with customers who have disabilities.
Employees who are given the opportunity to work in an inclusive environment are often more loyal and committed. Supported employees tend to have higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
Creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture benefits all employees, not just those in Supported Employment. It fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect, leading to higher overall morale and lower absenteeism. Also, the support given to the job seeker, like detailed job descriptions, has helped the company with their on boarding process for other new employees.
Conclusion
Supported Employment [TC7] offers a wealth of benefits for both individuals with disabilities and employers. In Sweden, the commitment to inclusive employment practices is evident through robust government initiatives, NGO support, and private sector engagement. Employers who embrace supported employment can enhance their corporate reputation, increase workforce diversity and improve employee retention. By fostering a positive work environment, companies can drive innovation and achieve long-term success. As more Swedish employers recognise [TC8] these benefits, Supported Employment will continue to grow, creating more inclusive workplaces and stronger, more innovative businesses.
The employers I have been speaking to report an improvement in confidence both when employing disabled people and when supporting them in work after their first Supported Employment experience. Increased confidence in employing disabled people arose from the positive employment experience in addition to the training, advice and guidance provided by the Job Coach.
According to IFAU’s report “Disabled people with reduced work ability – an employer’s perspective, Summary of Report 2001:5”, the survey shows that just under 14 percent of employers in Sweden have considered employing a jobseeker with a work disability on at least one occasion in the past five years. Of these, about 72 percent chose to hire the jobseeker in question. This corresponds to about 24,000 of Sweden’s employers. Of these employers, 62.5 percent have previously employed people with disabilities. The results indicate that most employers who employ people with work disabilities receive some form of state support. The two most common forms of support are wage subsidy (60%) and work try-out/work experience (52%). Employers also consider these, together with financial support, to be the measures that best promote the employment of people with work disabilities. The survey also shows that there is a lack of information among employers.
There are some components that will be important when deciding to involve a company in a Supported Employment recruitment. The job coaches will include understanding of the specific needs of the person in relation to the role and any adjustments they would need. They will help the workplace to have the right support in place for the new employee, helping facilitate communication or practical support, and ongoing support for both the employee and the company throughout, addressing any arising or unforeseen challenges.
Supported Employment has changed people’s lives. The trusting relationship a Supported Employment process can build to implement long-term and inclusive environment for your workforce is something you must experience.
