South Pacific Laundry shines with a diverse workforce

At South Pacific Laundry, inclusive hiring is not just a policy—it's a practice that has brought significant benefits to the business.

Paul, the manager at South Pacific Laundry, has been a driving force behind this initiative, working closely with APM Employment Services to integrate employees with disabilities into various roles within the factory.

Including employee Geoff who joined his team through the Disability Employment Services (DES) program with APM.

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Paul's collaboration with APM Employment Services has been instrumental in achieving his inclusive hiring goals.

“We've got a great relationship with APM. They've supplied us staff for all areas of the factory over a couple of years now,” Paul explains.

The partnership includes tours of the facility with potential employees so they understand the work environment, and see the value of being part of a working team.

Customised recruitment

Adam, the manager at APM, highlights the tailored approach taken to meet the specific needs of South Pacific Laundry.

“Myself and Paul have had many meetings about what a perfect candidate would look like within the position, and we've managed to get plenty of candidates in here that are still working,” he said.

This process ensures that the right candidates are matched with the right roles, benefiting both the employees and the business.

Trial periods

One of the standout features of the partnership is the trial period, which allows Paul to see candidates in action before making a long-term commitment.

“The trial periods are a great tool for employers to find the right candidates and the right fit for their business,” Adam notes.

This approach has proven to be highly beneficial, providing a practical way to assess suitability and performance.

Embracing diversity

South Pacific Laundry prides itself on its diverse workforce, which includes individuals with disabilities and mental health issues.

“We give everybody a chance here. We've got a very diverse culture,” said Paul.

This inclusive approach not only enriches the workplace culture but also brings a variety of perspectives and skills to the team.

Comprehensive support

Paul also gains extensive support from Adam and APM's Disability Employment Services (DES) team, handling everything from medicals to paperwork and online inductions.

“APM, they're very good from the financial perspective. They make my job a lot easier before they even start working here,” he said.

This comprehensive support ensures a smooth onboarding process and helps employees settle into their new roles effectively.

Geoff smiles in the laundry warehouse wearing a hi-vis top

Seeing the ability

Ultimately, the success of the DES program at South Pacific Laundry comes down to a simple yet powerful philosophy: seeing the ability rather than the disability.

“I would tell other employers, give them a chance because there's a lot of people who work for APM that can work in your industry,” Paul said.

By focusing on what individuals can do, rather than their limitations, businesses can unlock a wealth of talent and potential.

In Australia, the employment rate for people with disabilities is significantly lower than for those without disabilities. As of 2018, only 48% of people aged 15 to 64 with disabilities were employed, compared to 80% of those without disability.

Programs like DES are crucial in bridging this gap, providing opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to the workforce.

Paul's success story at South Pacific Laundry serves as an inspiring example of how inclusive hiring practices, supported by dedicated partners like APM Employment Services, can create a more diverse, productive, and inclusive workplace.

For business owners and employers looking to enhance their workforce, partnering with a DES provider like APM offers a pathway to a more inclusive, diverse, and productive workplace.