Disability Employment Insights

Ray Tak-yin HUI
Associate Professor, NUCB Business School

In Japan, approximately 9.5 million people live with disabilities, representing 7.6% of the total population. Despite local mandates requiring companies to hire at least 2.3% of persons with disabilities (PWDs), the actual employment rate of PWDs remains low. Societal biases and misconceptions surrounding disability are the key reasons.

To address this issue, Dr. Ray Tak-yin Hui and collaborators conducted a field study, surveying 142 employees working in the hospitality industry in Hong Kong, to unveil employees’ concerns regarding disability employment and its impacts on the work process. The findings uncovered that senior managers tended to hold a more positive view of PWDs' work performance and their impact at the workplace compared to frontline employees. This divergence stemmed from the limited direct engagement of senior management with PWDs, whereas frontline employees are directly responsible for overseeing their work. Moreover, a positive view of disability employment was found to enhance employees' happiness and reduce disappointment, thereby fostering greater commitment and satisfaction at work. This support serves as a clear sign prompting a strong desire for supportive co-workers to alleviate their heavy workloads.

To enhance the efficacy of disability employment, here are some actionable suggestions for managers: Firstly, managers should provide a diverse range of tasks tailored to the abilities of PWDs, gradually expanding their responsibilities as they demonstrate proficiency. Secondly, it is crucial for managers to provide sensitivity training to promote a harmonious work environment. Thirdly, regular informal meetings should involve both PWDs and employees to address any expectation discrepancies.

By implementing these recommendations, employers can maximize the benefits of disability employment while effectively tackling challenges of labor shortage.

About Research

1.    “Disability employment and work outcomes:  The roles of hospitality job position and emotion. Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality and Tourism,” by Bruce TSUI, Ray Tak-yin HUI, and Pimtong TAVITIYAMAN (Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality and Tourism, In-press)