Accommodating Employees with Disabilities: The Role of Flexible Employment Schemes in Europe

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, the workplace has witnessed significant changes. The fast growth in the use of information technology, changes in working hours and agreements radically changed the nature of job. One such change is the flexible employment schemes, which can provide alternatives for employees with disabilities, giving incentives to increase their productivity and their job satisfaction. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of those schemes on job satisfaction, job quality and absenteeism in this group of people. Furthermore, the objective is to explore the role of flexible employment to carers of disabled people. The empirical analysis relies on the European Working Conditions Survey over the period 2000-2015. The results show a positive impact on both disabled workers and carers’ job satisfaction and lower incidence of absenteeism at work. The policy recommendations and implications are further discussed.