Workers with a disability still targeted in the workplace, report finds

Double the amount of workplace discrimination or harassment was experienced by workers with a disability compared to workers without one, research has revealed.

This year, 47 per cent of workers with a disability said they faced discrimination or harassment at work, which is nearly two-fold in comparison to 25 per cent of workers without a disability, a study found.

This figure revealed a rise in incidences last year, as shown in the 2023–2024 Inclusion@Work Index by Diversity Council Australia (DCA). This report found that 42 per cent of workers with a disability reported experiences of discrimination or harassment, and 23 per cent of workers reported experiences of the same – highlighting an overall rise in the incidence of discrimination and harassment.

These early findings were released ahead of DCA’s incoming 2025–2026 Inclusion@Work Index, which will be published in February 2026.

DCA chief executive Catherine Hunter (pictured) said these findings highlight that workers with disabilities work in environments that “undermine their safety, wellbeing, and ability to contribute fully”.

Hunter said that despite the encouraging increase in organisations taking action, a deeper and more sustained commitment to inclusion is still needed.

“Every employer has a responsibility to create workplaces where people with [a] disability are treated with dignity and respect, while feeling safe,” she said.

The research will show how organisations can use workplace disability data to make a “meaningful difference”, Dr Rose D’Almada-Remedios, head of research at DCA, said.

D’Almada-Remedios concluded: “The first step is to build disability awareness and confidence. Embedding accessibility into recruitment and work processes, co-designing policies with employees with disability, ensuring adjustments are accessible for all, and training leaders to recognise and address bias are essential actions that help every employee feel valued.”