The elements of a positive workplace environment: implications for persons with disabilities

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Westmorland, Muriel G.^; | Zeytinoglu, Isik | Pringle, Pam | Denton, M. | Chouinard, Vera

Affiliations: School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada | Michael De Groote School of Business, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada | Office of Gerontological Studies, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada | Department of Geography, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 905 5259140, fax: + 1 905 5226095.

Abstract: A group of researchers from humanities, business, geography and rehabilitation science at McMaster University carried out a qualitative research study involving persons with disabilities in a south-western Ontario community. The study examined how persons with disabilities defined positive work environments both in paid work and volunteer activity. The study used a framework of organizational factors, social factors; social supports outside the workplace and individual characteristics. The study found that participants stressed the importance of positive attitudes, respect, understanding, communication and education as key components.

Keywords: Workplace environments, Job communication, Disability and work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1998-10202

Journal: Work, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 109-117, 1998