The Accessibility, Inclusion and Labor Market Monitor 2025 shows that people with disabilities represent a vast untapped potential. Smaller companies in particular indicate that they face practical and organizational limitations. In companies with fewer than ten employees, the median number of employees with a disability is even zero. It is also striking that people with disabilities rarely, if ever, advance to supervisory or management positions.
The first employee is crucial
The study reveals a significant gap between companies that employ people with disabilities or support needs and those that do not. Organizations that already have employees from this group are much more likely to hire more in the future. The crucial step, therefore, appears to be hiring that very first employee.
The participating employers come from a wide range of sectors, including trade, logistics, hospitality, public services, manufacturing, and business services. Although these sectors are well represented in the sample, the extent to which they actually provide opportunities for people with disabilities varies greatly. Some employers have experience in adapting workplaces or offering guidance, while others mainly encounter obstacles, such as unfamiliarity with regulations, lack of internal capacity, or doubts about employability.
Call to action
The researchers conclude that smaller companies in particular need targeted support, clear regulations, and practical examples of how to successfully implement inclusive employment practices. They call for action from both the government and the business community to enable more people with disabilities to participate sustainably in the workforce.
click here to read more