The interplay of environmental and personal factors in workplace integration of employees with visible physical disabilities

Purpose This study examines work experiences of people with visible physical disabilities, focusing on their social integration in organizations, an area receiving limited attention in academic literature, particularly in Israel. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews with 19 employees with visible physical disabilities (vision, hearing and limb disabilities). Findings Three central themes emerged: (a) “accessibility before everything,” describing the importance of organizational accessibility for professional and social functioning, (b) “there is someone to talk to,” focusing on employee-employer relationships and their effect on work routines and (c) “the person beyond disability,” emphasizing employees' active contributions to their own social integration. Practical implications These findings provide essential information for policy makers and employers to develop targeted inclusion programs. Organizations can benefit from creating accessible environments not only physically but socially, with management taking active roles in modeling inclusive behaviors while empowering employees with disabilities to advocate for their needs. Originality/value This study broadens the perspective on diversity and inclusion in organizations by drawing attention to the social aspects that must be considered when employing individuals with visible physical disabilities. It reinforces the findings of Novak and Rogan (2009) and applies contact theory as a theoretical framework for analyzing workplace integration. Moreover, the study challenges prevailing assumptions that individuals with disabilities are passive or lack influence over their social status within the organization. Instead, it offers a critical lens on the mutual interaction between environmental and personal factors as essential for fostering effective workplace.