The tight labor market opens new doors for disabled workers

Workers with disabilities have always been left on the sidelines of the US economy for decades. But the strong labor market post-pandemic is offering more chances for workers with disabilities, with flexible work arrangements and more leniency for remote work.

Most employers are desperate for workers and are updating their job requirements to increase the candidate pools. Employers are exploring new ways to include candidates they have previously overlooked in the hiring process. More companies are open to remote work today, making it easier for disabled workers to find employment. Many disabled people who found it difficult to engage in, and travel to in-person work have found new jobs with the remote working facilities provided by employers.

Over the past two years, the number of disabled adults who are working has increased greatly. Workers with disabilities are stating that they get more job offers as well as better benefits such as higher pay, more flexibility, and more willingness to provide accommodation.

Oftentimes, workers with disabilities have seen how their fortunes fluctuated with the path the economy takes. Although federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against people with disabilities, cases of discrimination are quite common. Employers are even required to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. A study in 2017 discovered that candidates who revealed a disability well 26% less likely to gain the interest of potential employers.

Even when they managed to find jobs, many disabled workers have had to face difficulties in the workplace starting from the washroom doors they cannot even open without asking for the assistants of coworkers. Many marginal groups such as workers with disabilities and those with criminal records always benefit disproportionately from strong labor markets. This is because employers are more desperate for labor and are willing to look into previously ignored talent pools. However, if a recession hits, these opportunities will quickly dry up.

This trend of “last-in and first-out” will quickly dry out due to remote work. The employment rate for workers with disabilities has improved across industries. But the biggest increases are seen in industries where remote work is more common. More than 35% of disabled US workers from ages 18 to 64 were employed in September.