Australia is seeing encouraging progress in inclusive employment, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting 56.1% of people with disability now in the workforce and refugee employment increasing fivefold – from 7% to 36% in just five years.
This reflects a growing recognition that inclusion strengthens workplaces, a principle Allianz has embedded into its DNA. Committed to the idea that varied life experiences drive better problem-solving, Allianz works with partners such as Jigsaw Australia and Settlement Services International (SSI) to create pathways for individuals from underrepresented groups, strengthening both the organisation and the communities it serves.
“Inclusion by design is one of our key principles,” said Anna Stavropoulos, Chief People and Culture Officer at Allianz. “When your workforce strategy is designed to make pathways for diverse talent, you unlock innovation, resilience, and stronger business outcomes. It’s about creating an environment where different perspectives thrive; that’s where real progress happens.”
The partnership with Jigsaw Australia began in 2021 as a pilot program during COVID to support CAT claim volumes. Today, it’s a permanent initiative spanning three Allianz divisions. Over 90 Jigsaw trainees have worked with Allianz, with 26 moving into permanent roles across four states.
As Valerie Richards, General Manager at Jigsaw Australia explains, the challenge has never been a lack of talent, but a barrier of perception. “While conversations around inclusion are growing, the step to actual employment remains hesitant for many companies. Allianz is a great example of the benefits to the bottom line and company culture when businesses take that step,” said Richards.
Jigsaw’s data shows 91% retention rates for individuals it supports, far exceeding traditional employment benchmarks. Since 2014, Jigsaw has supported more than 1,500 people with disability into employment pathways, with placements increasing by 409% from FY2020 to FY2024.
“Teams that include neurodivergent talent are not only more engaged but also deliver outperformance,” said Stavropoulos. “Inclusion strengthens our performance, improves team morale, and ultimately benefits our customers.”
For Jigsaw, the partnership is a blueprint for sustainable inclusion. “Our integrated work pathway model is designed to set people up for success,” said Richards. “By combining training, on-the-job experience, and long-term partnerships with businesses like Allianz, we’re creating real, lasting change in employment outcomes for people with disability.”
This commitment to inclusion also extends to supporting refugees through education and career pathways.
Allianz’s collaboration with SSI focuses on helping refugees transition into meaningful employment through education, work experience and scholarships, enabling individuals to either start or rebuild their careers in Australia. These initiatives tap into a highly skilled yet often underutilised talent pool, providing opportunities for refugees to gain local experience while helping Allianz address critical skills gaps and strengthen its talent pipeline.
Since the partnership began in 2016, Allianz has awarded 316 scholarships to assist students in secondary school, vocational education and training (VET), and university, helping individuals overcome barriers to education and build the foundations for a successful career in Australia.
Alongside education support, Allianz’s Sustainable Employment Program (SEP) has created direct employment opportunities for refugees, successfully hiring 37 cadets into permanent roles, with 15 still actively employed. Impressively, 67% of those still employed have been promoted to senior roles, demonstrating the long-term impact of the program on both individuals and the business. Across its scholarship and employment programs, Allianz has supported 352 individuals in their education, training, and career development.
“When you bring together people with different life experiences, you create teams that are more innovative and better equipped to solve complex problems,” said Stavropoulos. “Our partnership with SSI is about more than providing opportunities, it’s about building a stronger, more adaptable business while making a real difference in people’s lives.”
Allianz’s approach demonstrates that inclusion by design is a strategic advantage that drives measurable business success and is integral to shaping the future workforce.