Survey reveals insights on Canadian workers with disabilities

A survey conducted by George Brown College, announced on Newswire Canada, engaged over 900 Canadian workers with disabilities to explore their workplace experiences.  

This survey focused on individuals reporting at least 'some difficulty' with sight, hearing, walking/climbing, remembering/concentrating, self-care, and/or communicating. The aim was to gain insights into the challenges and perspectives of those working with disabilities. 

Key findings of the survey include a significant job satisfaction discrepancy between workers with disabilities and the general population.  

Nearly twice as many workers with disabilities, 51 percent, are categorized as 'Bottom Rungers', a segment marked by dissatisfaction often due to a lack of control over their work. In contrast, only 26 percent of the general population falls into this category.  

Furthermore, workers with disabilities are over four times less likely to be part of 'The Fulfilled' segment, with only 6 percent in this group. This segment signifies job satisfaction, stimulation, fulfillment, growth, and societal usefulness. 

The survey also uncovered a desire for responsibility among workers with disabilities.  

Workplace satisfaction for these workers can be enhanced when they are entrusted with more responsibilities and receive customized job training. While higher salaries and prestigious job titles are desirable, the feeling of reliance is even more vital for their satisfaction. 

The role of colleagues and organizations was another critical aspect revealed by the study. Workers with disabilities tend to view their colleagues as more helpful and supportive than their organizations and management.  

Those with temporary disabilities are more likely than those with permanent disabilities to see their colleagues as helpful. This finding underscores the need for organizations to provide additional support to individuals with permanent disabilities. 

Support and inclusivity are crucial factors in how workers with disabilities perceive and handle their conditions.  

The degree of support and enablement from colleagues and organizations directly impacts their sense of standing within the organization, irrespective of compensation and external stakeholder engagement. 

Jon Callegher, the project director, initiated this study to advance greater inclusivity and support for workers with disabilities in Canadian workplaces.  

He emphasized the growing importance of understanding the unique challenges and aspirations of these workers, particularly as the workforce ages and the number of workers with disabilities increases. 

The report stresses the necessity for organizations to create environments where individuals with disabilities feel valued, empowered, and relied upon.  

Funding for this project was provided by the College and Community Social Innovation Fund, a grant jointly administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council College and Community Social Innovation Fund (SSHRC).  

Partnerships for this project included the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Foundation, The Career Foundation, and Q.i. Value Systems, a research company.