Episode 17: Disability and Telework: An Encouraging and Concerning Trend

Mason Ameri, associate professor at the Rutgers University Business School, describes how the pandemic has transformed the outlook of disability employment. Tight labor markets have demonstrated an increased willingness by employers to have remote workers, and people with disabilities are helping meet this demand. However, the growth of telework is more likely in white collar jobs, and workers with disabilities are more concentrated in blue collar jobs and service positions. There is a need for more research to understand how employers can restructure jobs where nonessential tasks are done remotely as well as increased understanding of remote work as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA with other supports that make that possible. There remain unanswered questions as to whether remote workers will be put to a different standard in proving performance necessary for career advancement, challenged by less real time interaction face-to-face with supervisors.