THE PERSPECTIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ON THE CHARACTERISTICS AND CONDITIONS OF REMOTE WORK: THE THEMATIC AND DUAL SENTIMENT ANALYSIS

Abstract

Remote work issues for disabled people are still poorly understood. Due to the high unemployment rate among disabled people, analysis and solutions to increase access to work are necessary. Remote workers must deal with space, time, and the blurring of boundaries between home and work life. Remote contact also weakens management–coworker relationships, reducing workplace support and professional development. The aim of the paper was to collect opinions on remote work based on interviews with 15 people with disabilities. Their opinions expressed their experience with the reality in which they function. Dual Sentiment Analysis was used with a dedicated qualitative analysis tool (QDA MINER). The respondents mainly described remote work as having good working conditions at home and being satisfied with less contact with others. Our findings suggest that organizing remote work for people with disabilities in a highly individualized way that takes into account their disabilities, job functions, and complex emotional responses can improve job satisfaction and the work environment. Remote work reduces social contact, which in turn lessens stress and enhances job satisfaction for disabled people.