Disability, recruitment and job retention: Identifying barriers and facilitators from the employers’ point of view

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite increased public awareness of the professional, integration of people with disabilities, they encounter more difficulties than their non-disabled counterparts in accessing employment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the barriers and facilitators to hiring and retaining people with disabilities from the perspective of employers in the private and public sector in France. METHODS: This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with forty-two employers from public structures or private companies. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research was used as a guideline to secure accurate and complete reporting of the study. RESULTS: Among barriers we found that 1. Stereotypes persist about disability, still associated with lower productivity and dangerous behaviour; 2. Disabilities were associated with costs that were considered too high; 3. Disabilities management was seen as an administrative burden. 4. The bumps of inclusion. We also highlighted facilitators such as 1. A public sector is a more favourable environment 2. Employer’s personal motivation to hire people with disabilities; 3. The support by Job Coaches was seen as a powerful facilitator. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to hire people with disabilities depends on many personal, societal and organisational factors. This study has contributed to a better understanding of their interrelationships and could be useful in developing more effective strategies for the inclusion of people with disabilities.