Employers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on the Inclusion of Employees with Disabilities in Bangladesh: a quantitative study

Abstract

Background: The employment of persons with disabilities is an important aspect on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workplace, especially in a country like Bangladesh, where cultural, infrastructural, and policy-related barriers hinder their inclusion. While global research highlights the importance of employers knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on disability awareness and inclusive workplaces, limited evidence exists within the Bangladeshi context. Aim: This study aims to explore the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of employers towards the employment of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, with data collected through face-to-face surveys across diverse industries in the Dhaka division. A total of 58 employers and human resource professionals were selected using convenience sampling. A structured, self-developed questionnaire measured KAP, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25. Results: The findings revealed that 66.1% of participants demonstrated "average" knowledge regarding disability inclusion, with healthcare sectors exhibiting the highest knowledge scores. Attitudes were moderately positive overall (mean score = 28.93), but only 62.1% of participants reported engaging in inclusive practices. Statistically significant differences were observed between KAP scores and factors such as prior disability-related training (p = 0.003 for knowledge, p = 0.014 for practice) and previous work experience with persons with disabilities (p = 0.018 for attitudes). Conclusion: Employers in Bangladesh exhibit moderate knowledge and positive attitudes toward disability inclusion, yet actual practices fall short. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive employer training, policy enforcement, and strict interventions to bridge the gap between intent and action. These findings offer critical insights for policymakers and organizations aiming to foster inclusive employment practices and align with global disability rights frameworks. Keywords: Disability employment, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Bangladesh, Inclusive workplaces