Mental Health of Employees with Disabilities: Psychological Adjustment and Workplace Reintegration

Abstract

In the contemporary era of career growth and competitive workplaces, employees with various disabilities encounter several challenges to their mental and physical health in an organization. Workplace barriers, including inaccessible workspaces, inadequate workplace accommodations, physical disabilities, and social discrimination, create obstacles to productivity and participation while generating additional stress that decreases employee job satisfaction. Mental health concerns, including burnout, depression, and anxiety, are frequently heightened in these employees due to the integration effects of workplace barriers, physical disability, and lack of support. This systematic literature review study provides evidence from 18 reviews and empirical studies examining the mental health of employees with disabilities, psychological adjustment processes, and workplace reintegration strategies. Findings from the present study revealed that targeted interventions, such as flexible scheduling, supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, ergonomic adjustments, and inclusive organizational policies, significantly improve job retention, psychological well-being, and return-to-work rates. Despite these significant outcomes, the literature highlights several gaps, including the limited availability of longitudinal studies, insufficient evaluation of cost-effectiveness, and inadequate attention to stigma and workplace culture. The present study demonstrates the need for sustainable workplace strategies that are individualized.