Building an Inclusive Workforce

Inclusive employment has become an increasingly important issue in Indonesia. With growing awareness and stronger government policies, more organizations are realizing that hiring people with disabilities is not only a social responsibility but also a smart business move.
Creating an inclusive workplace leads to innovation, productivity, and a stronger sense of community.

Here are five key facts about how disability inclusion is shaping the future of work in Indonesia.

1. 1% Job Quota for Private Companies

According to Law No. 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities, private companies with more than 100 employees are required to allocate at least 1% of their job positions for people with disabilities.
This regulation aims to ensure equal opportunity and demonstrate corporate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

2. 2% Job Quota for Government Institutions and State-Owned Enterprises

Public institutions and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have a higher quota — they are required to provide at least 2% of job positions for people with disabilities.
This policy ensures that the public sector sets an example in promoting equality and inclusion in the workplace.

3. Employees with Disabilities Are Equally Productive and Loyal

Studies show that employees with disabilities are just as productive and loyal — if not more so — than their non-disabled peers.
Their resilience, problem-solving skills, and strong work ethic make them valuable assets for any inclusive organization.

4. Interviews Can Be More Flexible

Inclusion starts at recruitment. Job interviews can be conducted in different formats — written, via video, or with an assistant — as part of reasonable accommodation.
This ensures that every candidate has a fair opportunity to present their skills and potential.

5. Career Opportunities Across All Fields

People with disabilities can pursue careers in a wide range of industries, from hospitality and design to data analytics and information technology.
This shows that ability, not disability, defines one’s potential to succeed in the workplace.

Moving Toward a More Inclusive Future

Inclusive employment is not just a legal obligation — it’s a strategy for building a stronger, more empathetic, and sustainable workplace.
By creating opportunities for people with disabilities, companies can drive innovation, boost morale, and strengthen their social impact.

Let’s continue working together to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and succeed. 

 

Creating an inclusive work environment for persons with disabilities is not just about providing additional facilities—it requires a comprehensive understanding of their diverse and specific needs. Practical accommodations impact not only comfort but also productivity and employee loyalty.

Here are several comprehensive strategies companies can implement to provide appropriate workplace accommodations:

1. Understand the Legal Framework as a Foundation

The first step is understanding the regulations that serve as both a legal and ethical guide. Indonesia’s Law No. 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities, along with relevant guidelines from the Ministry of Manpower, requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations. This includes physical accessibility, accessible information, and reasonable adjustments to the job process. These legal frameworks serve as the foundation for internal policies.

2. Increase Literacy on Types of Disabilities and Their Implications at Work

Each type of disability has different needs. Understanding these differences is key to providing the right accommodations. Some examples include:

  • Blind/Low Vision: screen readers, accessible digital documents or applications, and tactile indicators like guiding blocks in the workplace.

  • Physical disabilities: adjustable desks, ramps, and accessible elevators.

  • Deaf/Hard of Hearing: sign language interpreters, written texts, or visual aids.

  • Intellectual or psychosocial disabilities: clear communication, structured routines, and social support from colleagues.

This knowledge helps prevent generic solutions and ensures accommodations are tailored and effective.

3. Engage in Open Communication with Employees with Disabilities

Avoid making assumptions. Instead, have open conversations with employees about what they need to work optimally. Consistent communication builds trust and fosters a responsive workplace. Often, the best solutions come from simply listening to employees’ lived experiences.

4. Conduct Individual and Structured Accessibility Assessments

Each person has unique needs. Personalized assessments can be conducted through:

  • One-on-one interviews

  • Needs surveys

  • Workplace observation

The results should be well-documented and analyzed as a foundation for designing targeted and effective accommodations.

5. Invest in Inclusion Training for HR and Management

Workshops and training on disability inclusion can equip HR teams and managers with practical skills, such as designing inclusive recruitment processes, providing sensitive feedback, and building diverse teams. These efforts help foster a more adaptive and non-exclusive organizational culture.

6. Pilot and Validate Accommodations

Before applying accommodations on a larger scale, test them with the intended users. Gather direct feedback: Does the tool or facility truly help? Are there any challenges?

For example, an application designed to be accessible might not yet work well with screen readers due to technical barriers. Testing helps avoid waste and ensures efficiency.

7. Conduct Regular Evaluation and Adjustment

Employee needs can change over time due to advancements in technology, shifts in job roles, or changes in individual health. Conduct regular evaluations (e.g., every six months) to ensure accommodations remain relevant and effective. Involve employees with disabilities in the process to keep their voices central to every decision.

Workplace accommodation is not about giving special treatment, but about ensuring equal access for everyone to perform at their best. Companies that implement accommodations effectively not only comply with the law but also demonstrate leadership in promoting diversity, innovation, and employee well-being.

Join DNetwork in creating a more inclusive work environment through educational programs on how to provide appropriate accommodations for employees with disabilities.

Together, let’s build a fairer, more adaptive, and inclusive workplace.

#WorkplaceInclusion #AccommodationStrategies #DisabilityInclusion #DNetworkForCompanies

During a job interview, appearance is one important factor that needs attention. A neat and good appearance will give a professional impression.
Here are tips on how to dress in a job interview
A job interview is indeed an important moment in your career journey. The weight of the burden in a job interview not infrequently makes you nervous and nervous. Appearance is one of the important points that need to be considered when conducting job interviews. The better you look, the greater your confidence will be. With good confidence, you can also instill a good impression on the interviewer.
Basic rules for dressing during a job interview


• Do not wear clothes that are too casual.
 It would be nice if you wear clothing in the form of a shirt, blazer and skirt/pants. By wearing these clothes, you communicate to the interviewer that you are mature, professional, and can be a member of a team. Make sure the clothes you wear are not too loose or too tight. Perform by being yourself who is certainly comfortable for the person and others.


• Adjust clothing to the field of work you are proposing.
 If you are applying to a company that has a serious work environment such as a bank, law firm, wear formal clothing such as a blazer or suit. But if the company you are aiming for is a creative work field, such as media or advertising agencies, give a little color in your appearance through the use of scarf accessories, necklaces, or belts.


• Color selection in dressing
You can choose a shirt or underwear in blue and then pair it with a black or gray blazer. This color will give the impression that you are an honest and trustworthy person. Conversely, avoid bright red, this color will give the impression that you are someone who likes to challenge.


• Avoid the impression of a section.
For women, do not ever try to look sexy by wearing a mini skirt or clothes too low. Appearance like that will make you seem unprofessional and of course, you do not want to attract the attention of others in the wrong way.


• Avoid excessive use of accessories.
Excessive accessories such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, etc. can disturb/distract the interviewer. Women are also advised not to carry handbags because they tend to search inside when nervous. Simply bring the folder/agenda.


• Good appearance for men
For men, it is advisable to wear clothes with a rather dark color like blue or black.
Wear loafers that have been polished properly. Wear black socks that are long enough so that your hairy legs won't be seen if you cross your legs.

• Pay attention to tidiness
Usually, men are less concerned when it comes to appearance. Even so, you still have to pay attention to neatness, for example, make sure the shirt is inserted into trousers and use a belt. Clean the shoes too, lest there is any dirt left on it. In addition, pay attention to hair so neatly. For men, maybe they can trim first. As for women, get used to the hair tied to those who have long hair.

You have to give a professional impression
• Don't mumble, speak clearly and confidently
• Calm yourself before entering the job interview room, don't worry.
• Pay attention to your body language: Give a firm and firm handshake. Sit up straight. Make eye contact with the interviewer. Don't forget to smile.
• Give a professional impression and organize, by bringing a folder/agenda. Open the agenda/notes that you have prepared. Note if there is important information that needs to be recorded.
• Avoid garlic, alcohol, cigarettes, and other things that make your breath unpleasant.
• Before the interview, make sure you are fit.
• Before meeting with the interviewer, try going to the toilet first to check your appearance again. Do not let your sweat marks on the shirt, or there are leftovers stuck to the shirt.
• Avoid using a perfume that is too oppressive, so just use perfume to taste.
• Don't chew gum.

Source:
How to Dress During a Job Interview
10 Tips on Dressing Right for a Job Interview?

Personal branding or better known as "Self Stamp" plays an important role in achieving the career of your dreams. Therefore, you must know the abilities and uniqueness that you have so that later you can compete with millions of job seekers by highlighting the capabilities you have.

Then, how do you create personal branding to achieve the career you aspire to?

 

1. Highlight your abilities

Everyone has their own abilities and uniqueness that makes them different from others. Not only academic ability or IQ, but also emotional intelligence (EQ) can be a part of self ability. A cheerful person, always smiling, always greeting your colleague when you meet in the office hallway is its own uniqueness that makes the company feel very lucky to have you as their staff. So, try to write on a piece of paper about all the unique and positive things you have!


2. Ask your colleagues for opinions!

In addition to recognizing your abilities, it is equally important if you ask the opinion of good friends and coworkers about your strengths. Remember, in this case ask something positive and focus on it!


3. Do your best! Both large and small jobs

Not everyone wants to give the best things to all the work they do and only choose certain jobs to give the best. Be a different person by doing the best thing in each of your jobs, both small and large. It looks trivial but it plays a very important role in shaping your character in the world of work and in the end it will also build your personal brand.


4. Pay attention to the little things

Paying attention to small things also plays an important role in shaping your personal brand. For example by paying attention to the words you use based on the place and situation, paying attention to how you dress, behave to office colleagues, how to communicate through writing (e-mail), and so forth. This will be a small thing that has a big impact and helps shape your personal brand.

Quitting an old job to pursue a career in a new place is not an easy matter for everyone because it means you have to be prepared to accept all the changes that occur in your career life, be it your work environment, work rhythm, coworkers, or your boss's leadership style.

Therefore, before deciding to change employment, it is a good idea to consider the following:

Clear and Strong Reasons
Quitting the old job to work in a new place is a pretty difficult decision. So you have to make sure your reasons are truly accountable and clear. Don't regret it later on! :-)

Know Your Skills and Potential
Getting to know your skills and potential is essential for pursuing a brighter career. The first step is to write down all your expertise or ask colleagues about their opinions about you. After knowing what skills and potential you have, then you can sort out which skills can be used in your next job.

Take advantage of your network
In the world of work, expertise is not enough to help you succeed in your career. Don't forget to take advantage of the network you have in pursuing your career. Apart from the internet and print media, you can ask job vacancies to your friends, family, coworkers, and so on. Very important too, you ask for some of your networks, especially those that have important positions as a reference for you.

Consider Work Experience
In choosing a new job, it is very important for you to consider your previous work experience. This is very important for your future career because the average job provider is looking for employees who already have experience in the same field for the position they need.

Those were the things that you need to consider to look for a new job. Good luck!