Differences in work conditions by functioning difficulties

Workers with disabilities are more likely to have lower earnings, work part time or in service occupations compared with adults without disabilities. Studies typically examine disability as a dichotomy (with or without severe functioning difficulties).

This article extends the literature by describing differences in work conditions not often examined (work schedule inflexibility, job security and benefits) among U.S. workers ages 18-64 with varying severity of functioning difficulties.

Using the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), logistic regression models predicted associations between functioning and work conditions for workers ages 18-64, controlling for individual characteristics, geography, full time work status, and occupation.

Adults reporting any functioning difficulties had higher odds of experiencing work schedule inflexibility and perceived job insecurity, and lower odds of access to paid sick leave than those reporting no difficulties. Workers with the most severe functioning difficulties received less advance notice of work schedule than other workers.

Work conditions differ for workers by level of functioning difficulties. Studies comparing only those with and without severe functioning difficulties may understate associations between functioning difficulties and work conditions. Understanding differences in work conditions by severity of functioning may inform efforts to improve outcomes for workers with disabilities.