Disability, workplace characteristics and job satisfaction

Purpose - Previous research has shown that individuals with disabilities are likely to be less satisfied with their jobs as compared to the able-bodied. None of them explain the reasons for this difference. The purpose of this paper is to contend that this might be due to certain factors such as discrimination, harassment, or other conditions at the workplace. It might also be due to lower relative incomes. Design/methodology/approach - The paper uses nationally representative Canadian data and attempts to account for the low levels of job satisfaction among Canadians with disabilities. Findings - The results show that when certain workplace characteristics are introduced into the model, individuals with a mobility disability are no longer likely to be less satisfied as compared to individuals without disabilities. However, the negative effect for certain other types of disabilities remains, though the magnitude decreases. It is concluded that absence of assistive technology or employer accommodations might be the reason for the remaining satisfaction difference between those with disabilities and the able-bodied. Originality/value - This paper adds to the existing literature on job satisfaction by studying the relationship between disability, workplace characteristics and job satisfaction.