An exploratory study of barriers to inclusion in the European workplace

Abstract

Background: The European Disability Strategy (2010–2020) seeks to significantly raise the proportion of people with disabilities working in the open labour market. The ERGO WORK project is a collaboration of academic and industrial partners in six European countries, focused on understanding and tackling barriers to workplace inclusion for workers with disabilities.

Methods: This study sought to explore the perceptions and needs of stakeholders in terms of workplace adaptation to the needs of employees with disabilities. An exploratory online survey was completed by 480 participants across six countries.

Results: The analysis suggests that workplaces could be further improved to meet the needs of employees with considerable scope for training within companies to raise awareness about employees’ needs, employers’ obligations and workplace adaptation.

Conclusions: This snapshot suggests there is still a gap between intent and reality in workplace inclusion and further strategies are needed to improve the opportunities for employees with disabilities. The paper argues that ergonomics may have a key role to play in tackling these challenges and adapting the workplace environment and job design to suit the needs of individual employees.

Implications for rehabilitation

• This study suggests there is considerable scope for workplace adaptation and improvements to meet the needs of employees with disabilities.

• Employers need and want further specialist practitioner guidance to facilitate workplace inclusion and support adaptation to individual needs.

• Organisations would benefit from training to raise awareness about potential solutions and approaches that would support more widespread employment of people with disabilities.

Keywords:

• Workplace inclusion
• ergonomics
• Europe
• stakeholder survey

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank those who participated in the survey, as well the ERGO WORK project team and network that translated and distributed the survey.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.