Economic Support for Employers in Hiring and Retaining Persons with Disabilities: A Case Study of Kazakhstan

Introduction. The relevance of the topic is driven by the increase in the number of persons with disabilities in Kazakhstan over the period 2011–2023: during this period, their number grew by 28.7% and reached 725 thousand. Analyzing this trend is important for assessing the socio-economic situation and developing support and rehabilitation measures. The study is aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of economic support mechanisms provided to employers in order to stimulate the hiring and retention of persons with disabilities in the workplace. Materials and methods. The study used the following sources: international scientific journals, news and information portals, statistical data from state portals of Kazakhstan. Research methods applied in the study included secondary analysis of official statistics of Kazakhstan, descriptive statistics, temporal analysis/ time dynamics, regional analysis, and integration of thematic reviews. Results. The share of the working-age population among persons with disabilities increased by 18% over five years (from 2013 to 2018), indicating a significant effect from the implemented employment support measures. The increase in the employment rate, along with a shift in distribution towards more skilled forms of employment, indicates effective implementation of support policies. The proposed set of support measures demonstrates an integrated strategy for enhancing the employment of persons with disabilities. The measures encompass financial incentives, support services, skills development, infrastructure accessibility, adaptive equipment, and tax-financial mechanisms. Conclusion. This work analyzes the employment dynamics of persons with disabilities in Kazakhstan and systematizes the economic and social support measures for employers in hiring and retaining such employees. Hiring persons with disabilities represents a strategic resource for expanding workforce potential, improving company image, fostering innovation, and enhancing competitiveness. Effective inclusion requires a comprehensive approach, support from both the state and business, ongoing monitoring of existing instruments, and further cross-contextual research.