Why You Can’t Take Your Foot Off the Pedal in Employer Engagement

By Paul Diviny, Founder and Director, Prospert

Employer engagement has always been the engine driving the Disability Employment Services (DES) model. Yet too often, I see providers treating it as a pit stop—something to address briefly during the tender process before speeding off to other priorities.

But let me tell you, employer engagement isn’t just part of the journey; it’s the road itself. Taking your foot off the pedal means losing momentum, and in this business, momentum is everything. Here’s why you need to keep your hands firmly on the wheel when it comes to employer partnerships.

Employer engagement is not a “set and forget” process

One of the biggest mistakes providers make is thinking that securing an MOU or letter of support during the tender process is enough. I’ve seen this play out far too many times. Six months after signing an agreement, a provider returns to the employer only to find the relationship has gone cold.

This is a missed opportunity, plain and simple. Employers want to know they’re part of an ongoing partnership. It’s about trust, consistency, and communication.

Trust is built over time

Employer engagement isn’t just about job placements; it’s about building real, meaningful trust. Employers need to feel confident that working with a DES provider will benefit their business and align with their values.

The work doesn’t stop when you’ve achieved a 26-week outcome. In fact, that’s where the most important work begins. Providers must ask themselves, “How do we stay in touch with employers and show them we’re invested in their success?”

When providers take the time to maintain these relationships, something incredible happens. Employers start to see your value in new ways. They offer referrals, think creatively about job carving, and advocate for inclusive employment within their networks. That kind of ripple effect is how we create real, lasting change.

Don’t wait—start now

For those of you waiting for July 2025 to focus on employer engagement, let me give you some tough love: if you wait, you’re already behind.

Keeping your foot on the pedal is easier with the right tools and guidance. The time to engage is now. Start mapping your market, revisit the employers you spoke to during the tender process, and begin turning those conversations into action.

How Prospert can help

I understand that maintaining employer engagement isn’t easy. It requires effort, strategy, and the right tools. That’s why Prospert’s learning programs are designed to help employment service providers build and sustain strong employer relationships.

Here’s how we can help your team:

?Effective Employer Engagement - this trusted online course provides a comprehensive approach through a 7 Step Effective Employer Engagement Framework which outlines the essential phases of employer engagement and is proven to deliver better outcomes for customers.

?Leading Employer Engagement - designed for Local and Regional leaders, this course teaches best practices, builds confidence in leading teams, and helps create localised strategies for stronger employer engagement and improved team performance.

?Strategic Business Development - A dynamic course for senior managers, available online and face-to-face, focusing on growth opportunities, partnerships, and multi-site relationships, with strategies for addressing employer diversity needs.The Benefits of Getting It Right

The DES sector is changing, and with it comes new opportunities. But one thing remains constant: employers are the backbone of this industry. If you’re serious about delivering better outcomes, driving inclusion, and growing your organisation, you need to prioritise employer engagement—every single day.

If your team is ready to level up your employer engagement strategy, let Prospert show you the road ahead. Together, we can build partnerships that last—and change lives along the way.

Paul Diviny is the Founder and Director of Prospert, a boutique professional services firm specialising in employment services. Contact Prospert today to learn more about our training and support for employer engagement.