Radical, relational, and still evolving: A meta-ethnography of employees with disability work experiences in hospitality

This study presents a meta-ethnographic synthesis of qualitative studies exploring the work experiences of employees with disability in the hospitality industry. Drawing on multi-stakeholder perspectives from 13 studies, the synthesis identifies how inclusion is co-created across four interconnected domains: work, workplace, workforce, and the work-life interface. The synthesis reveals that while early accounts framed inclusion as symbolic or charitable, more recent studies trace a shift toward strength-based and relational practices. Findings highlight persistent structural barriers and stereotypes alongside the transformative potential of meaningful work, psychological safety, and radical reciprocity. Inclusion efforts were found to follow a non-linear yet positive trajectory, with progress often coexisting alongside tokenism and resistance. The study contributes a holistic framework that captures the work experiences of employees with disability from a multi-stakeholder perspective and introduces the concept of radical reciprocity to reframe inclusion as a co-created, mutually enriching process. These insights offer a hopeful, relational, and systemic approach to advancing employment equity and belonging for employees with disability in the hospitality industry.