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Navigating Invisible Disability Disclosure and Workplace Inclusion: Employers’ Attitudes and Workplace Policies

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  • Niki Markou

    (Department of Educational and Social Policy, University of Macedonia, 156 Egnatia Str., 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Doxa Papakonstantinou

    (Department of Educational and Social Policy, University of Macedonia, 156 Egnatia Str., 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

This study explores employers’ attitudes and practices regarding disclosing and including individuals with invisible disabilities in Greek workplaces. Invisible disabilities present unique challenges regarding workplace inclusion and the disclosure of disability. Through a thematic analysis of structured interviews with 50 employers and human resource professionals from various industries, this research study identifies organizational policies, attitudes toward disability disclosure, the perceived impacts and benefits of hiring individuals with invisible disabilities, and recommendations for workplace inclusivity improvement. The findings reveal a range of employer practices. While many employers acknowledge the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace, there are gaps in formal training and structured policies. Employers have varied views on the necessity and timing of disability disclosure, with some supporting disclosure during hiring to ensure proper accommodations and others prioritizing employee comfort and autonomy. Important advantages of employing individuals with invisible disabilities include improved workplace diversity, increased innovation, and reinforced team unity. This study recommends diversity training, clear disclosure guidelines, and joint initiatives with external organizations to promote inclusivity in the workplace. These findings offer practical recommendations to close the inclusion gap and maximize the capabilities of employees with invisible disabilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Niki Markou & Doxa Papakonstantinou, 2025. "Navigating Invisible Disability Disclosure and Workplace Inclusion: Employers’ Attitudes and Workplace Policies," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 5(2), pages 1-14, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jdisab:v:5:y:2025:i:2:p:37-:d:1629354
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hugo Benítez-Silva & Moshe Buchinsky & Hiu Man Chan & Sofia Cheidvasser & John Rust, 2004. "How large is the bias in self-reported disability?," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 19(6), pages 649-670.
    2. Bruno Kusznir Vitturi & Alborz Rahmani & Guglielmo Dini & Alfredo Montecucco & Nicoletta Debarbieri & Paolo Bandiera & Michela Ponzio & Mario Alberto Battaglia & Benedetta Persechino & Matilde Inglese, 2022. "Stigma, Discrimination and Disclosure of the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in the Workplace: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-14, August.
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