Economic versus cultural determinants of changes in employment of people with disabilities - good practices in Poland

Abstract

In Poland a low rate of employment of people with disabilities persists (the employment rate for people of working age (18–59/64) who are legally certified as disabled is 23.7% (2016)). The key actors in this area are employers, whose attitudes and involvement largely shape the availability and type of job vacancies for people with disabilities. The article presents research results on companies and institutions from the open labour market that have good practices in employing disabled workers. These are the results of a survey carried out in 100 organizations in Poland, 10 case studies carried out in organizations in Poland, and 10 case studies in other European countries. Conclusions from research on Poland indicate the importance of economic instruments in supporting employment of disabled people, but also their limited impact. The biggest barrier are negative stereotypes and prejudices on the part of employers and employees, rooted in the dominant patterns of behaviour in society. The study of good practices in organizations employing disabled employees in Poland and other countries shows that it is important for them to have a culture open to people with disabilities and other categories of employees. It is reflected in the values, standards and beliefs shared by employers and employees, as well as in organizational culture and management methods.

Keywords

• disabled worker
• employer
• organizational culture
• poland