Licentiatavhandling i arbetsvetenskap

Out of sight out of mind: Inclusion of employees with invisible disabilities

Suzanne Millmark

• 21 Augusti
• Tid: kl. 10:00 - 12:00
• Plats: 11D 257

The phrase “Out of sight, out mind” highlights the unawareness of invisible disabilities, nondisclosure, individual coping mechanisms and efforts, often unknown to coworkers, managers and Human Resource personnel. This licentiate thesis explores the complex aspects of inclusion, stigma and disclosure, focusing on the factors that facilitate and hinder the inclusion of employees with invisible disabilities when working from home. It explores perspectives from employees, managers and Human Resource personnel in the Swedish public sector.

This study provides empirical findings using multiple qualitative methods to explore the challenges and enablers of inclusion efforts, particularly in the post Covid context. The results are presented in two research papers, where the findings highlight the impact of stigma and negative assumptions about disabilities, the importance of disability awareness and fostering an inclusive and permissive work culture throughout the organisation. Additionally, ideal worker norms affect women with invisible disabilities in overcompensating and coping on an individual level, rather than asking for support from the organisation. This study contributes to the understanding of complexities of inclusion and disclosure, and how organisations can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for employees with invisible disabilities, Post Covid.