The Decision to Disclose a Hidden Disability at Work
Briefly

The Decision to Disclose a Hidden Disability at Work
"People living with invisible disabilities may desire to keep them hidden, to avoid being treated differently. The desire to keep quiet may stem from social desirability bias, wanting to make a good impression by avoiding revelations that could spark stereotypes or stigma. At the same time, everyone wants to be comfortable, at work, school, or socially, and failure to reveal a hidden disability deprives people of the opportunity to receive necessary accommodations."
"Results revealed a significant number of individuals with a disability seeking employment were unwilling to disclose their challenges due to fear of discrimination. Recognizing such challenges as still very much 'taboo,' many feared discrimination by prospective employers, although some survey respondents indicated they would feel more comfortable disclosing at the interview stage, versus the application stage."
People with invisible disabilities frequently choose not to disclose their conditions during job seeking due to fear of discrimination and social stigma. While some feel more comfortable disclosing during interviews rather than applications, many remain reluctant throughout the hiring process. This reluctance stems from concerns about negative stereotypes and unfair treatment by employers. However, non-disclosure prevents individuals from accessing necessary accommodations such as quiet spaces, frequent breaks, flexible schedules, and comfortable work environments. Research from Evenbreak and Samsung UK demonstrates that workplace discrimination concerns remain significant barriers to disclosure, leaving many disabled employees without essential support systems needed for effective job performance.
Read at Psychology Today
Unable to calculate read time
[
|
]