How workplace social support facilitates work situations of disabled employees – a qualitative interview study

BackgroundSocial support in the workplace is crucial for the well-being of employees. For disabled employees, however, social support may have a different role, given structural, physical and social barriers in the work context.ObjectiveConsidering this, the study aims to explore the meaning and role of workplace social support in enabling disabled employees.MethodsUsing semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis, the experiences of 28 disabled employees were investigated.ResultsThe participants highlight that social support is essential for balancing their individual needs with work demands by helping them deal with work tasks, create a suitable job framework, and develop occupational skills. Furthermore, the findings show that social support is both an expression and a driver of inclusion in the workplace when it is experienced as a regular lived working practice and reflects belonging.ConclusionsWorkplace social support is vital for disabled employees, as it helps mitigate work demands and addresses various barriers. Supervisors and coworkers play a key role in aligning disabled employee's needs with work requirements and fostering inclusion. To ensure sustainable employment for disabled employees, organizations must create environments that encourage supportive relationships. Inclusive work design should enable equal access to workplace social support for disabled employees but ensure they are not overly dependent on it.