The Challenges of Work Inclusion for People with Disabilities

This paper aims to understand the process of inclusion of PwD in the company, to explore their emotions in their daily interactions in the workplace, and to analyze the communicative interactions of PwD in the work context, also exploring the perception of their co-workers. Mixed methodology was used, using both qualitative and quantitative research. Fifty PwD workers and 314 PwD co-workers, employees of Auchan Portugal Group, participated in the study. The results showed that pride is the feeling most reported by PwD in their daily work routine; that about half of the PwD do not tell the other which emotion they feel and disguise the discomfort of the emotions they feel; that communication in the company is accessible and clear and that the interaction between PwD and managers/colleagues is constant and collaborative. Regarding coworkers, they consider that hiring these people contributes to the company's social responsibility, that there is good communication with PwD, and that the company aims at promoting the social inclusion of PwD. Although most PwD feel integrated, it suggests greater sensitivity from the employer and adapted work. This research is expected to contribute to the increase of scientific knowledge and to promote the process of inclusion of PwD in the labor market.