Future proofing business: Your solution to creating an inclusive workplace NOW

As organisations look to the future, embracing inclusion is not just a social responsibility; it is a strategic advantage that drives innovation, performance, and long-term success.

Maeve Monaghan, CEO of NOW Group, an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to supporting individuals with neurodivergence and autism into employment, highlights the importance of fostering inclusive environments as they expand their work across the island of Ireland. Monaghan also explains how the social enterprise that was founded in Belfast is expanding its services across the island of Ireland.

True accessibility goes beyond physical spaces; it is about creating a culture where individuals feel safe, valued and empowered to contribute. While inclusion is gaining traction among HR teams, it must also be a priority at the highest levels of leadership, across boardrooms and the C-suite.
An untapped talent pool in a competitive market

Ireland faces significant challenges when it comes to the employment of individuals with disabilities. Only 32.6 per cent of people with disabilities in Ireland are employed, compared to the EU average of 51.3 per cent. This results in an employment gap of 38.6 per cent between individuals with and without disabilities – significantly higher than the EU average of 24.4 per cent. These figures underscore the urgent need for proactive workplace inclusion initiatives.

However, inclusion should not be seen merely as an act of levelling up – it is a smart business decision, especially in the era of skills shortages and workforce challenges. Companies that successfully embed inclusive practices gain a competitive edge, fostering innovation, enhancing employee engagement and improving overall performance.

To address this challenge, the Government has introduced progressive targets to increase the employment of people with disabilities in the public sector. The statutory employment target, previously set at 3 per cent, increased to 4.5 per cent in 2024 and as of January 2025 is 6 per cent – a doubling of the 3 per cent target set out in the Disability Act 2005.

Achieving these targets across the public sector, and to increase the employment of individuals with disabilities in private organisations, requires fresh thinking and collaboration, and that’s where we at the NOW Group can play a vital role, connecting the dots and delivering solutions that benefit all.

Working across Ireland, the NOW Group has already demonstrated the success of such initiatives in Northern Ireland.
In Northern Ireland alone, we have supported 973 people into paid employment over the past five years. We now have an ambitious plan to support 700 people with disabilities into paid jobs across Ireland within the next three years.

With near-full employment in Ireland, businesses are struggling to fill positions – yet there is an untapped talent pool that, when given the right support, can thrive and bring real value to the workplace. NOW Group pride themselves on achieving a 93 per cent retention rate after six months for participants placed into jobs.

NOW Group’s initiatives: JAM card and employment services

At the NOW Group, we have been at the forefront of inclusion through innovative tools and programmes including:

• JAM Card: The JAM Card (just a minute) is a discreet tool that allows individuals with learning difficulties, autism, or communication barriers to indicate that they need a moment of patience in social or business interactions. Available as both a physical card and a digital app, the JAM Card is widely recognised, with over 3,000 businesses and 182,500 users globally. In Ireland, organisations such as the National Transport Authority, the Department of Justice, and the Office of Public Works have implemented JAM Card training, ensuring staff are equipped to offer accessible and inclusive service.
• Employment Services in Ireland: We have launched dedicated Employment Services in Dublin and Galway, with further rollouts planned for Monaghan, Cavan, Louth, and Meath later this year. These services provide training programmes across key industries such as tourism, hospitality, ICT, data analytics, and cyber security, equipping individuals with the skills they need to secure meaningful employment. A recent milestone saw 34 neurodiverse and autistic participants graduate from NOW Group’s training academies in Dublin, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to fostering inclusive employment opportunities. In 2025, our graduation numbers will have increased even further, which is reflective of our team’s progress in helping people to gain qualifications and engage with progressive employers who do not just talk about being ‘inclusive’ but who actually fully embrace inclusivity within the workplace.

In 2024, when welcoming the Department of Justice’s decision to become JAM Card Friendly, former Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD said: “I am delighted to support the rollout of the JAM card initiative across the Department of Justice. Removing barriers to equality is not always about building ramps or moving walls, sometimes it is just about showing that we understand the needs of the person in front of us.”

The business case for inclusion

Embracing inclusion delivers tangible benefits for businesses:

• Enhanced reputation: Companies known for inclusive practices attract a broader customer base and foster brand loyalty.
• Diverse perspectives: An inclusive workforce brings varied viewpoints, driving innovation and problem-solving.
• Employee retention: Inclusive workplaces experience higher employee satisfaction, leading to improved retention and reduced turnover.

In 2025, businesses have the opportunity to make meaningful change in workplace inclusion. By recognising and celebrating the abilities of all individuals, we can build a stronger, more diverse and more innovative workforce for the future.

Not sure where to start? We can help. We are open to partnering with forward-thinking businesses and organisations that embrace all abilities, across every industry, including hospitality, catering, manufacturing, professional services, and digital.

To learn more about partnering with NOW Group and to make a lasting impact in your business, visit www.nowgroup.org