Employability support and barriers among individuals with Functional diversity – a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Employability refers to the “capability to move self-sufficiently within the labor market to realize potential through sustainable employment”. Some authors analyze employability as an outcome in terms of a person’s subjective or objective chance of a job on the labor market, whereas others focus on employability as a set of individual and contextual antecedents of sustainable employment. In the last few decades, research on employability has blossomed, which resulted in a great volume of literature coupled with the variety of contexts and populations among which employability is studied. Among people with functional diversity, understanding factors that support or impede employability is a key element in promoting social inclusion. Aim: The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of the individual and contextual factors that relate to employability of individuals with functional diversity. In addition, comparing the findings from multiple primary studies, the study contributes to explaining the current inconsistencies. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search for relevant publications across different databases (i.e., PsycINFO, Web of Science, Business Source Premier). We used combinations of keywords pertinent to employability and functional diversity in order to perform a qualitative analysis of the key relationships. Results: Preliminary results show inconsistency in theorizing and measurement, as well as a lack of insight into the “how” of the theoretical framework. Moreover, individuals with functional diversity experience a range of barriers to employability, which vary depending on the context where studies are conducted. Finally, the results substantially vary depending on the specific conceptualization of employability, measurement, and functional diversity in question.Conclusion: We unpack the antecedents of employability, increasing insight into the complexity of its promotion among individuals with functional diversity. From a societal standpoint, this is relevant in promoting decent work for all. With the current labor shortage in key societal sectors, societies need workers to develop beyond organizational boundaries.