About
Allowing employees to receive and respond to work-related information via email instead of relying solely on verbal communication can assist individuals with health conditions. This adjustment provides clarity, allows for processing information at one’s own pace, and accommodates various communication preferences and needs.
Employers are encouraged to discuss and implement reasonable adjustments tailored to the specific requirements of their employees.
Employers in Australia are legally obligated under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to make reasonable adjustments, like providing information via email, to ensure employees with disabilities can work productively and safely.
For more information on creating accessible and inclusive workplaces, refer to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s guidelines.
Costs and Funding
Implementing this accommodation typically incurs minimal to no cost, as it utilises existing email systems.
Most workplace environments already have email systems (such as Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, etc.) in place, so there is no additional cost for the software itself.
In rare cases, some employers may invest in more advanced communication tools or platforms, like project management tools (e.g., Slack, Trello), which can further support written communication.
These tools may come with subscription fees, typically ranging from $5 to $20 per user per month.