| Abstract [eng] |
Background: Although the Lithuanian state implements incentive measures, the employment rate of people with disabilities remains low, and their unemployment rate exceeds the national average. This may be linked to employers’ attitudes, lack of information, and limited knowledge about workplace adaptation. The aim of the study is to evaluate Lithuanian employers’ opinions regarding the opportunities and barriers for people with disabilities to work in Lithuanian companies. Objectives: The study aims to assess the views of Lithuanian employers on the employment of people with disabilities, focusing on: 1) identifying opportunities and obstacles based on employers’ knowledge about disability types and workplace adaptations; 2) examining employment barriers in relation to employers’ attitudes toward the abilities of people with disabilities; 3) analyzing perceived opportunities and barriers based on social and demographic factors. Materials and Methods: The data were collected in 2025 in Lithuania via an anonymous online survey. The target group consisted of private limited companies employing between 7 and 30 people. The chi-square test was used to analyze employers’ responses by knowledge level, opinion, and demographic variables. Results: A majority (81%) of respondents showed a high level of knowledge. However, only 56% were aware of state subsidies for hiring people with disabilities, and 67.1% knew about the legal obligation to adapt the workplace. Employers with more knowledge were more likely to support the employment of people with disabilities and less likely to rely on stereotypes (p < 0.05). Most respondents (95.1%) disagreed that disability always prevents job performance, and 90.9% rejected the belief that people with the same disability have identical abilities. Respondents who believed in the successful work capacity of people with disabilities more often identified external obstacles: physical inaccessibility (66.3%), challenges in ensuring safety (61.3%), and lack of financial resources (52.3%). A more favorable attitude was observed in companies employing one or more people with disabilities, particularly in managerial or administrative roles, and among employers with direct experience working with disabled individuals (p < 0.05). Those with skeptical views more often cited limited capabilities (42.8%) and communication difficulties (32.9%). Conclusions: A positive attitude toward the employment of people with disabilities is linked to higher knowledge levels and personal experience. More favorable opinions are common in companies employing people with disabilities, especially when they occupy responsible positions. Employers were more inclined to cite external barriers rather than employee capabilities, indicating that better awareness and practical support could play a key role in improving employment inclusion for people with disabilities. Keywords: People with disabilities, people with disabilities in the labor market, Lithuanian employers, employers' opinions, employment of people with disabilities. |
