Exploring Employer’s Successful Hiring and Retention Practices of Individuals with Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities remain underrepresented in the workforce compared to those without disabilities. It has been explored that employer perceptions of their employees with disabilities directly impact this participation in the workforce, specifically hiring and retention. However, the use of primarily quantitative methods in demand-side research to date may limit the development of a fuller understanding of the hiring practices of employers. This study aimed to explore the hiring and retention practices of employers who are successful in hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities within their companies. Four exemplary employers were interviewed, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the interviews was done following a qualitative phrenetic iterative analysis. Analysis revealed eight themes: empowering hiring managers, career development and advancement, community relationships, trainings that go beyond awareness, universal design of accommodations, responsive practices, disability as a diversity, and confidence to fail. These findings highlight the crucial role employers play in cultivating an inclusive work environment and employers’ potential to address aspects of systemic inequalities by integrating individuals with disabilities into their organizations.