In response to employer uncertainty in providing ‘reasonable adjustments‘ for employees with disabilities or supported work needs, Konekt introduced its Reasonable Adjustment Service.
This service represents a proactive solution to a persistent workplace challenge: how can employers effectively identify and implement proper workplace adjustments for employees who need them?
Origins and nature of service
Originally designed to aid Konekt and the wider APM Group’s internal employees, the service has evolved to serve employers and workers externally.
The service uniquely positions itself prior to the utilisation of the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) and guides employers on the nuances between ‘reasonable adjustments’ and what is covered by the EAF.
Notably, it also offers advice that isn’t typically covered by standard Workplace Modification Scheme (WMS) assessments, such as daily scheduling advice for employees with ADHD, strategic desk placement to minimise distractions, advice around meeting support and frequency of leader check-in.
Accessibility and pilot insights
A key aspect of Konekt’s Reasonable Adjustment Service is its accessibility, even to those employees who are undergoing a diagnosis or have a suspected diagnosis yet to meet the EAF criteria.
This early intervention can be crucial for employee wellbeing and productivity.
Practical insights from the APM Pilot, which ran from June 2023 to October 2024, highlight the practical benefits of the service.
The pilot showed that most required adjustments were reasonably priced, with ergonomic chairs and sit-stand desks being the most common recommendations.
Over the course of 165 assessments, only two cases required EAF involvement — a testament to the efficacy of Konekt’s preliminary workplace adjustment services.
Market position and cost-effectiveness
What Konekt realised through the APM Pilot and feedback from WMS Assessors is that their Reasonable Adjustment Service is pioneering in a market where no similar offerings are found, mainly because of the existence of the EAF.
However, Konekt sees an essential role for their service, particularly when employers are unsure about their obligations or where to start with providing accommodations.
Moreover, the aim to maintain a low-cost service model with a focus on impactful recommendations emphasises the service’s practicality and employer support.
Konekt’s approach is markedly different from the Job Access Service, which acts as a national hub for workplace and employment information for people with disabilities and could potentially involve more administrative steps and funding for disability specific equipment and software but might not address day to day personalised recommendations compared to Konekt’s initiative.
With the Reasonable Adjustment Service, Konekt has carved out a critical niche.
By providing a service that supports employers to identity reasonable adjustments and additionally, identifying where further support could be obtained via EAF with a customised, cost-effective approach, Konekt is making workplace inclusivity a more manageable goal for employers and a more attainable reality for employees.
This initiative not only facilitates a smoother path to obtaining necessary adjustments for employees but also fosters a more inclusive and supportive work environment — a powerful outcome for workplaces striving for diversity and inclusivity.
Learn more about our Reasonable Adjustment Service.
