Exploring the costs and benefits of workers with disabilities

This study examined the costs and benefits of workers with and without disabilities within three sectors: healthcare, retail, and hospitality. Three hundred and fourteen employees (95 with and 219 without disabilities) from 13 companies participated. Comparisons between both groups were made across six work variables: job performance, supervision, tenure, absenteeism, worker's compensation claims, and accommodations. Across the three sectors, job performance and supervision were similar for both groups of employees. However, findings were mixed when tenure, absenteeism, and worker's compensation claims were considered. Lastly, costs of accommodations were for the most part minimal.