Research & Insights for Workplace Wellbeing

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Wellbeing and Job Satisfaction Among Employees With Intellectual Disability

Andrew Joyce; Perri Campbell; Jenny Crosbie; Erin Wilson

Frontiers in Public Health

2025 March

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1503932

Frontiers Media SA

Licence Label: CC BY 4.0

This study explores what supports wellbeing and job satisfaction for employees with intellectual disability across different workplace settings. Based on in-depth interviews, it highlights the importance of strong relationships, consistent support, and roles that are tailored to individual needs. A sense of purpose, variety in tasks, and feeling valued at work all play a key role in positive experiences. The research also shows that while supported employment often provides these conditions, they are less consistent in open employment settings. Overall, it reinforces that inclusive workplaces require intentional design, not just access to employment opportunities.

This research highlights the importance of designing workplaces that actively support inclusion, not just employment access.

  • Social connection and support are central to wellbeing and job satisfaction

  • Tailored roles and flexibility help employees succeed and feel valued

  • A sense of purpose is a key driver of mental wellbeing at work

  • Supported employment models often provide stronger wellbeing structures

  • Open employment can lack consistent support, impacting confidence and experience

  • Workplace design (roles, spaces, flexibility) directly influences wellbeing outcomes

  • Physical health (nutrition and activity) is often overlooked in workplace wellbeing

  • There is a clear need for more targeted, evidence-based approaches for this group

© 2025 Joyce, Campbell, Crosbie and Wilson. The original work remains the intellectual property of the authors and publisher. Commentary by The Well Crowd. © The Well Crowd Ltd. 2026. All rights reserved. This content provides a summary and independent commentary on the original research and does not reproduce the original publication. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or medical advice. No part of this content may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission.

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