The impact of workplace disability facilities on job retention wishes among people with physical disabilities in South Korea

Abstract

The 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to end poverty "in all forms" and achieve sustainable development by 2030, while ensuring that "no one is left behind", including people with disabilities. Disability is referenced eleven times in the Agenda. Disabled people face high risks of poverty because of barriers such as lack of workplace disability facilities. The goal of the study was to examine how workplace disability facilities affect job retention plans among workers with physical disabilities in South Korea and how perceived workplace safety and work satisfaction act as mediators. The 2018 Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled was used, and we examined 1023 workers with physical disabilities. Path analysis was used to examine the relationships. Results showed that workers whose workplaces provided more disability facilities were significantly more likely to perceive their workplaces as safe and had higher work satisfaction; hence, they were more likely to wish to maintain their present jobs than those whose workplaces offered fewer facilities. However, many workplaces in Korea did not provide any disability facilities. The study provides empirical evidence to support development of policies for improved workplace facilities and work environments for disabled people, in accordance with the UN Agenda.