A Framework towards the workplace realities of employees with disabilities in Zimbabwe · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Munyurwa, Tanisha P.

Title

A Framework towards the workplace realities of employees with disabilities in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study focused on a framework towards employees with disabilities. This study focused on four objectives which are investing the challenges faced by employees with disabilities in Zimbabwe, how the challenges affect their job performance and satisfaction, assess the existing support systems and recommend ways of improving the workplace environment for employees with disabilities. A qualitative approach was applied to guide the study and semi-structured interviews, observations and key-informant interviews were used during the data collection process. The social model of disability and the empowerment model served as theoretical frameworks to understand disability and the workplace realities of employees with disabilities. The study targeted employees with disabilities through a purposive sampling technique. 14 employees including 3 key informant were selected for data collection. A thematic analysis was employed to examine the data collected from employees with disabilities and the key informant. The findings highlighted that employees with disabilities face workplace exclusion, physical and environmental, attitudinal and cultural and economic and policy barriers. These challenges affect the employees’ job performance and job satisfaction resulting in reduced productivity. The study revealed that the support systems in Zimbabwe are inadequate. Disability policies exist but are not implemented effectively. A lot of employees find it difficult to access some building highlighting workplace exclusion. Employees with disabilities end up feeling unheard and unsupported. Based on the finding, organisations should prioritize workplace inclusion practices and offer employees with disabilities the needed support and accommodation. Advocacy and awareness initiatives should be conducted to promote an inclusive culture. Additionally, employees managing chronic conditions and those requiring medical appointed emphasized the issue of introducing flexible work arrangements. Employees with disabilities need inclusive policies, equal opportunities for career advancement, accessible infrastructure and disability awareness training in the workplace. Thus, addressing these barriers promotes inclusivity in workplaces in Zimbabwe and improves job productivity and satisfaction for employees with disabilities.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Disabilities

Workplace Realities

Supervisor

Ms. R. Muregi,