Employable

Conversation Corner: 🤔🧩

Recently, we had an employer contact us for advice about a staff member who is autistic.

The employee was performing well in their current role, and the employer believed they would be an excellent fit for another area of the business where additional support was needed. However, the employer was unsure about the best way to approach the conversation and wanted to make sure they were being supportive and respectful.

This led to an important discussion.

When supporting autistic employees, it is important to remember that every person is different. What works well for one individual may not work for another.

Rather than making assumptions, we encouraged the employer to have an open and honest conversation with the employee about the opportunity. By clearly explaining the role, expectations, and any changes involved, the employee could make an informed decision about whether the move was right for them.

Many employers are surprised to learn that the most effective support often comes from good communication, clear expectations, and being willing to listen to what the individual needs to succeed.

The employer's willingness to seek advice before making changes demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting their staff and creating an inclusive workplace.

Our advice? When considering changes for any employee, focus on communication, clarity, and collaboration. Ask questions, listen carefully, and work together to find solutions that support both the individual and the business.

Conversation Corner: 🪜🥳

Recently, we spoke with a client who had successfully secured a job with a company they had always wanted to work for.

The challenge? While they genuinely enjoyed the company, its culture, and the people they worked with, they realised the role itself was not quite the right fit for their long-term career goals.

They asked us whether it was okay to stay with the company while exploring opportunities to move into a different position internally.

The answer was yes.

Many successful careers begin in a role that serves as a stepping stone rather than a final destination. Starting in one position can provide valuable experience, help build relationships, and create opportunities to learn about other areas of the business.

Employers often value team members who show initiative, perform well in their current role, and express a genuine interest in growing within the organisation.

Rather than viewing their situation as being "stuck" in the wrong job, we encouraged them to see it as an opportunity to build credibility, develop new skills, and position themselves for future opportunities.

Our advice? If you love the company but not necessarily the role you started in, focus on doing your current job well, continue developing your skills, and keep an eye on internal opportunities. Sometimes the first step into an organisation is exactly that – the first step.

We've all got to start somewhere, Even our Assistant Manager:

What was your 1st job and what can you tell us about it?

Kelly: Working on a produce farm picking beans. It was contract piece rate paying $1.30 a kilo. I found a good way to do it super efficiently and because of that, to this day (accounting for inflation) it was the highest paying job I have ever had. Being handed a 2 and a half grand cheque for 2 weeks work in 2003 was pretty sweet.

FYI