Exploring Work Accommodations for Workers in Low-Wage Work Environments with Chronic Pain-Related Conditions: A Multi-Level Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study

Univ Of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC

Investigators

Abstract

Chronic conditions impose significant challenges on workers in low-wage work environments, often worsening health outcomes. Chronic pain-related conditions contribute to disability and work limitations. Work accommodations, which enable individuals with disabilities to perform job duties, have the potential to mitigate such limitations. However, a significant percentage of workers in the United States, particularly those in low-wage work environments who face additional challenges, do not receive work accommodations. The lack of accommodations denies potential benefits to both employees and employers. Despite the high prevalence of chronic pain-related conditions among workers in low-wage work environments, little research has explored the role of work accommodations for advancing health outcomes in this population. This study aims to address this gap using explanatory sequential mixed-methods research. The first phase will quantitatively examine the use of work accommodations by frequency and type, as well as the extent to which employer-level factors influence workers receiving work accommodations. The second phase will qualitatively explore the experiences of workers in low-wage work environments with chronic pain-related conditions and their process of obtaining work accommodations. The third and final phase will integrate the quantitative and qualitative data, using the qualitative results to inform interpretation of the quantitative findings. By examining work accommodations for workers in low-wage work environments with chronic pain-related conditions, this study will inform future policies and promote workplace health. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by workers in low wage work environments and guide interventions to improve workplace health. This project is essential for developing the applicant’s skills in designing, conducting, and analyzing mixed-method studies, as well as quantitative and qualitative data. This study aligns with the applicant’s goal of becoming an independent researcher focused on reducing workplace challenges and identifying strategies to improve health and quality of life by addressing workplace conditions.