Strategies to improve the employment of persons with disabilities, women and outsourced workers
Verian partnered with The ASEAN Secretariat on the Future of Work project, a study to support ASEAN Member States in building post-COVID-19 labour markets that are both productive and inclusive, particularly focusing on persons with disabilities, women and outsourced workers. The study examines the key megatrends, such as digitalisation, the greening of economies, and the accelerated shift of global value chains, that are reshaping the future of work and facilitates the co-creation of future-proof policies and advocacy strategies for a more inclusive and dynamic ASEAN workforce.
Approach & Outputs
We conducted this study by first identifying the current and future barriers to income and training opportunities for these groups before exploring the areas of opportunity for their meaningful inclusion at various levels (e.g. regional, national, corporate etc). The methodology comprised of extensive regional literature review and of interviews with experts and practitioners to deeper on-the-ground insights. The insights of this study are presented through two flagship reports and four actionable policy briefs below.
Flagship reports – overview of current employment landscape, drivers and barriers, opportunities and challenges relating to key megatrends in the world of work:
- Report 1: Removing barriers and gaps for persons with disabilities’ (PWD) participation in the world of work
- Report 2: Promoting inclusive human resource development (HRD) strategies to sustain productivity, focusing on women and outsourced workers
Each report was accompanied by two policy briefs.
Policy briefs – actionable recommendations, strategies and best practices to overcome barriers and seize opportunities presented by the mega trends:
- Brief 1: Innovative policies and strategies to promote employability and access to income opportunities for person with disabilities
- Brief 2: Maximising ICT and digital transformation to promote equal opportunities
- Brief 3: Strengthening governance of employment outsourcing for decent work
- Brief 4: Empowering female workforces for the Future of Work: redefining productivity and work/life balance
Key Findings
1. Removing barriers and gaps for persons with disabilities’ (PWD) participation in the world of work
PWD represent a critical demographic in the world of work requiring focused policy intervention and action. Despite their potential, PWD face significant barriers to employment, including limited access to education and skills training, inaccessible infrastructure, restricted job opportunities, and social stigma. Employers also contribute to these barriers through their inadequate understanding of workplace accommodations, biases about PWD capabilities, and insufficient accountability systems. Addressing these obstacles is essential for enhancing workforce inclusion and enabling PWD to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
2. Promoting inclusive HRD strategies to sustain productivity
By prioritising inclusivity, ASEAN can unlock the full potential of its workforce, foster innovation and growth, and ensure equitable access to decent work, social protection, and training. Inclusive HRD strategies can support economic growth while promoting social cohesion and equal opportunities in the labour market.
The reports and briefs have been published by ASEAN as part of their efforts to address emerging challenges faced by the region and develop the ASEAN Community Vision Post 2025.
Download the reports and briefs at https://www.veriangroup.com/en-sg/case-studies/future-of-work-consultancy-for-asean.
