The relationship between meeting workplace accommodation needs and job disruptions among Canadians working with disabilities: a cross-sectional analysis

Publication type
Journal article
Authors
Jessiman-Perreault G, Smith PM, Thompson A, Gignac MA
Journal
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Volume
67
Issue
1
Pages
e54-e60
Open Access?
Yes
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This research explores whether having accommodation needs met reduces job disruptions. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey (n = 955) of Canadians working with physical and/or mental/cognitive disabilities was used to assess the association between having workplace accommodations (ie, flexibility, modifications) needs met and four types of job disruptions. Analyses used marginal effects models to adjust for demographic and work context variables. RESULTS: Participants with work modification needs met had a 7.7% decrease in lost work time. Participants with workplace flexibility needs met had a 9.9% increase in lost work time. Having workplace flexibility or modification needs met were not associated with the other job disruption outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Modifications may help to reduce lost work time for workers with disabilities. Flexibility may increase lost time, which is explained by it enabling workers to attend to personal needs during working hours