Managing Employees with Disabilities: The Impact of Employer Behavior and Workplace Climate from an Employee Perspective in Israel

The primary goal of this study was to delve into the complex roles that employers, workplace climate, and acceptance play in shaping the experiences of employees with disabilities from the employees’ perspective. The purpose of the study is to check which factors in the work environment directly affect the well-being and job satisfaction of disabled workers in Israel. The research focused on capturing the nuances of what it means to have an inclusive culture, emotional support, and open communication for employees. The study took the approach of a qualitative research method that tests the research hypothesis with the help of in-depth interviews with employees with disabilities. The literature review analyzed existing academic studies and reports to understand how the current research literature understands the field of employment of people with disabilities. In addition, a chapter on theoretical rationale was written that built a theoretical framework for the research hypothesis. In the research itself, interviews were conducted with three employees with different types of disabilities to collect first-hand experiences. These interviews enabled an in-depth exploration of participants’ views on employer roles, workplace climate, and acceptance. The purpose of the study was to check if the answers of the respondents corresponded to the information available in the research literature by reviewing the study from a new direction. The main contribution of this article aims to bridge this gap by investigating the issue specifically from the point of view of employees with disabilities rather than from the point of view of the employer. The findings were in good agreement with the existing research claims in the existing literature. The study itself verified the hypothesis emerging in studies around the world that employers have a critical importance in creating an inclusive culture and providing emotional support. The research claim is that the workplace climate, shaped by policies and interpersonal relationships, significantly affects the experiences of disabled employees. Acceptance appeared as a key factor, with true acceptance having a positive effect on job satisfaction and general well-being. The study also highlighted the challenges facing employees when disclosing their disabilities and the existing gap between policy and practice.