2026-2027 Inclusive Employer Index: Apply now to lead the way in measuring workforce neurodiversity

Diversity Council Australia (DCA) has opened expressions of interest for its 2026–2027 Inclusive Employer Index, which will this year include a new question to establish baseline data on neurodiversity – a landmark step in understanding and improving workplace inclusion nationwide.

This new addition will give organisations unique insights into the inclusion experiences of neurodivergent employees, marking the first time this data will be captured in a standardised way across Australian organisations.

“Neurodiversity data is crucial to building neuroinclusive workplaces,” DCA CEO Catherine Hunter.

“An estimated 15 to 20% of people are neurodivergent, yet until now many organisations have lacked the tools they need to understand their employees’ experiences or the barriers they face at work.

“Capturing neurodiversity data safely and respectfully is a vital first step toward identifying and removing these barriers.”

In partnership with Cultural Infusion, DCA’s Inclusive Employer Index is Australia’s only inclusion index run by an independent peak body that enables organisations to measure, benchmark and strengthen their workplace inclusion efforts across 10 diversity dimensions. It captures a wide range of inclusion indicators, including leadership commitment and employee experiences of inclusion and exclusion across areas such as gender, race, disability, age and LGBTQ+ inclusion – with the new neurodiversity question adding an important data point.

Organisations that meet the program requirements and exceed the national benchmarks will earn recognition as a DCA 2026-2027 Inclusive Employer – a mark of excellence publicly promoted by DCA. Recognised organisations can proudly showcase the Inclusive Employer brand to demonstrate their commitment to inclusion to employees, partners, and the wider community.

The Index also offers organisations an evidence‑based platform to assess risk by highlighting potential issues and areas that require targeted action. Insights from last year’s Index showed that DCA member organisations are on average more inclusive, more likely to value having a diverse team and their employees are significantly less likely to face discrimination or harassment.

Expressions of interest are open until 14 August 2026 and organisations who sign up before 5 April can take advantage of a 10% early-bird discount, available for both DCA member and non-member organisations.

“Building a truly inclusive workplace requires understanding the experiences of the people within it,” said Catherine.

“The Inclusive Employer Index provides organisations with powerful insights to help them identify strengths, address gaps, and make meaningful progress. With the introduction of neurodiversity data collection, we are setting a new standard for how organisations can understand and support all employees.”

Australian first: establish baseline workforce neurodiversity data

The introduction of neurodiversity as an additional dimension in the Index was informed by insights from DCA’s newly released Neurodiversity Data at Work guide. This resource was developed through a national consultation involving nearly 3,000 participants, including more than 2,200 neurodivergent individuals as well as HR and diversity and inclusion practitioners. Grounded in lived experience and informed by national and international research, this work represents a significant Australian first.

What’s in it for your organisation?

By taking part in the 2026–2027 Inclusive Employer Index, organisations gain:

• insights into employees’ lived experiences of inclusion and exclusion
• access to an interactive dashboard to explore their workplace D&I data
• comprehensive benchmarking against the national workforce, DCA members, and industry peers (where available)
• support resources, including webinars, communication templates
• tools to strengthen strategic planning and workplace D&I reporting.

The Index can also support external reporting requirements. It includes the five employee experience questions required for WGEA’s Employer of Choice for Gender Equality Citation, with a separate data export containing gender‑disaggregated responses and response rates.

“With increasing expectations for transparency and meaningful action on inclusion, participating in the Index is a strategic investment,” Catherine said.

“It allows employers to demonstrate genuine commitment and take evidence‑based steps to create workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to perform at their best – which ultimately unlocks more productive, engaged and innovative workplaces.”

Expressions of interest are open now and will close on 14 August 2026.

Register your interest to participate in the 2026–2027 Inclusive Employer Index.

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About DCA

Diversity Council Australia is the leading peak body for diversity and inclusion. As an independent not-for-profit and charitable organisation, we provide expert guidance to workplaces, policymakers and the broader community through research, tools, events, advocacy and education. Together with our network of nearly 1,300 member organisations, we shape more equitable workplaces for a stronger economy and fairer society.
Media Contact

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