THE Chamber will host an online event on July 23 exploring a question that more businesses are beginning to ask:
Are we overlooking valuable skills in our workforce?
Across the Chamber network, employers in health and fitness, construction, manufacturing, administration, hospitality, tourism, trades, retail, education, counselling, creative industries and professional services are discovering that some of their strongest employees have come through non-traditional pathways.
Rather than focusing solely on qualifications or conventional job descriptions, many have found success by recognising individual strengths and creating opportunities for people to thrive.
Some businesses have intentionally developed flexible or micro-roles around an individual’s unique abilities instead of expecting them to fit a rigid position.
Others have simply recognised unexpected strengths in employees who think differently, uncovering valuable skills that have become significant assets to their teams.
Employers have also found immense value in matching structured, detail-oriented roles to individuals who naturally thrive in them.
Positions involving quality assurance, stock control, administration, data entry, packaging or detailed checking often require a level of consistency, accuracy and deep focus that becomes a major strength when paired with the right person.
Whether someone has a formal diagnosis such as ADHD, autism or dyslexia, or simply approaches work differently, many employers are recognising that diverse cognitive profiles can bring creativity, innovation, deep attention to detail and unique problem-solving skills to the workplace.
One of the most encouraging outcomes for the Chamber has been seeing how widely this approach is succeeding across different industries.
A Chamber spokesperson said the diversity of businesses sharing their experiences has been remarkable, with employers reporting positive results, from matching people to roles that suit their strengths to making simple workplace adjustments that have benefited both employees and businesses.
Even before the event has taken place, businesses have been eager to contribute their experiences.
The strong response reflects genuine interest in sharing practical insights and learning from one another, with many describing it as an important conversation that offers a fresh perspective on workforce participation.
Rather than focusing on labels or compliance, the online roundtable will explore how businesses can better access hidden talent by hearing directly from employers who have recruited differently, introduced flexible roles, adapted workplaces or identified opportunities where others may have seen barriers.
This discussion is intended to be the beginning of a broader conversation.
Following the employer roundtable, the Chamber hopes to host a second online session with employees to hear about the workplaces where they have flourished, the roles they have enjoyed and the practical changes that helped them succeed.
As workforce shortages continue across many industries, there is an opportunity to rethink how businesses attract, recruit and support talent.
The question is no longer whether talented people are out there, but whether we are prepared to recognise and embrace the strengths of people who think differently.
