Addressing Workforce Challenges in Disability Support and Allied Health Services

Workforce challenges represent the most significant threat to disability and allied health service delivery. Addressing them requires comprehensive strategies that go beyond traditional recruitment.

The Workforce Crisis

Scale of the Problem: - Tens of thousands of additional workers needed - High turnover rates across the sector - Competition for talent intensifying - Wage pressures increasing

Root Causes: - Challenging working conditions - Relatively low pay - Limited career progression - Emotional demands of the work

A Comprehensive Response

1. Retention First Retaining existing staff is more cost-effective than recruiting: - Improve working conditions - Offer meaningful career development - Recognize and reward performance - Build supportive team cultures

2. Smart Recruitment - Target underutilized talent pools - Partner with training providers - Build employer brand - Streamline hiring processes

3. Workforce Design - Optimize skill mix - Use technology to extend capacity - Enable flexible working arrangements - Develop career pathways

4. Financial Strategy - Model true cost of turnover - Invest appropriately in workforce - Advocate for pricing that supports wages

Leadership Imperatives

CFOs must help organizations understand: - The financial impact of turnover - ROI of workforce investments - Sustainable staffing models

The workforce challenge won't be solved by any single initiative—it requires sustained, strategic effort across multiple fronts.