[Large-scale surveys on the work situation of people with health impairments and disabilities in Germany-expanding the potential for analysis].

Abstract

Introduction: Sound knowledge of the current work situation, captured using suitable and up-to-date indicators, is a key prerequisite for the appropriate and accessible design of working conditions. Survey data enable a differentiated description of this situation and the tracking of developments. The aim of this article is to provide a systematic overview of large-scale surveys on the work situation of people with impairments or disabilities in Germany and to examine the potential for analysis.

Methods: A total of 15 large-scale surveys involving people with health impairments and providing information on their work situation were systematically analyzed. An inductively and deductively developed category system was used that structured the topics as "impairment/disability," "work situation," and "individual characteristics." In addition, a distinction was made between three target groups: "people with impairments," "people with self-assed disabilities," and/or "people with externally assessed disabilities."

Results: For the period from 2018 to 2024, seven relevant surveys can be identified that, to varying extents, contain detailed information on all three target groups and their employment situation in the primary labor market.

Discussion: Gaps in the survey data become apparent, for example, with regard to inclusive working conditions or workplace adaptations. Therefore, existing large-scale surveys would need to be systematically expanded in terms of both content, through differentiated items, and methodology, through inclusive sampling and survey designs.