This paper summarises findings from the initial phase of a three-year project conducted to understand employers’ motivations for, and experiences in, hiring hidden talent groups (including First Nations, mature age and those with disabilities) and creating good work opportunities. Findings revealed employers’ strong motivations to tap into hidden talent and create good work to manage challenging labour market conditions and ensure diversity, equity and inclusion.

Although employers’ awareness of job quality and its significance varied, they identified a range of factors likely to drive the creation of good work (including economic and labour market conditions, and managerial capacity and capability), as well as a number of challenges (including financial constraints and cost-based business models). Importantly, they expressed a desire for more information and resources to help them create and sustain good work. Overall, employers recognised the benefits of providing good work opportunities to hidden talent groups, including increased engagement and performance along with reduced turnover.