A recent report by the Adecco Foundation reveals a worrying reality: 82% of people with psychosocial disabilities face significant emotional difficulties in their job search, with anxiety and fear of rejection predominating. In a context where mental health takes center stage, the Foundation's Observatory of Vulnerability and Employment has published its second analysis on the relationship between disability, mental health and employment.
The research, based on a survey of 290 people with a disability certificate for a mental health diagnosis, highlights that only 27.3% actively participate in the labor market. This figure underscores the exclusion suffered by these groups, with 81% of the 315,200 working-age people outside the labor market.
Social stigma and self-stigmatization are key factors in this issue, leading many people to perceive their abilities as inferior and to anticipate negative experiences in their application processes. The emotional burden of the job search is worsened by rejection due to prejudices and a lack of understanding about mental health disorders.
Barriers are not only emotional; the lack of accommodations in the selection process is another obstacle. Although 55.6% of respondents say they do not need specific adjustments, 44.4% do require them, and only a small percentage has had their requests accepted. Interviews often include inappropriate questions about candidates' health, intensifying the pressure and reducing job opportunities.
The study indicates that employment can be a protective factor for mental health within an adequate framework of work. Eighty-eight percent of respondents recognize significant benefits, such as improvements in self-esteem and social relationships. However, inadequate working conditions can have the opposite effect, increasing emotional problems in those who have psychosocial disability.
Against this backdrop, the Adecco Foundation highlights the urgency of implementing inclusive practices in the workplace. These should not only facilitate access to jobs, but also guarantee an adapted and understanding environment, essential for those who have psychosocial disabilities to develop their potential and maintain their psychological well-being.
