Posted 24.01.2022

Study title: Experiences of physically disabled people toward remote working practices 

Institution: Loughborough University

This study is part of a dissertation research project supported by Loughborough University. The investigator is Betsy Lake, who is a final year undergraduate BSc Psychology student and is being supervised by Dr David Maidment, a Lecturer in Psychology within the School of Sport Exercise and Health Sciences.  The study aims to explore in-depth the experiences (needs, barriers, facilitators, disadvantages, benefits, etc.,) of physically disabled teleworkers based in the UK.  

Who is conducting the research? This study is part of a dissertation research project supported by Loughborough University. The investigator is Betsy Lake, who is a final year undergraduate BSc Psychology student.  

Who has reviewed the study? The study is being supervised by Dr David Maidment, a Lecturer in Psychology within the School of Sport Exercise and Health Sciences.

About the study: The study aims to explore in-depth the experiences (needs, barriers, facilitators, disadvantages, benefits, etc.,) of physically disabled teleworkers based in the UK. 

Rationale for the study: While much previous research has explored remote work in non-disabled people, little work has focused on the needs and experiences of disabled teleworkers, particularly those with physical disabilities and those based in the UK. In addition, the experiences of teleworking post-Covid warrants investigation, as they may be different due to the changing attitudes, acceptance, and exposure of colleagues and employers to remote working practices. While employers are restructuring work practices in the long-term in response to Covid-19, and with predictions that a hybrid model of work is likely the future, it is essential to gather data on how physically disabled workers negotiate remote working, so their experiences are rightly considered and used to inform new work policies.

Type of opportunity: To directly share your experiences, participate in and contribute to research. 

When will this study be recruiting?  December 2021- February 2022 

What will participants be asked to do? Participants will be invited take part in a one-time, one-on-one, online interview via Microsoft (MS) Teams, lasting approximately 30-60 minutes at a convenient date and time for them. During this time, participants will be asked to freely discuss their views and experiences of remote working: 1) positives and facilitators of participants’ remote working experiences; 2) negatives and barriers; 3) adjustments and needs during remote work; 4) navigating technological tools; 5) changes in remote work experience post-Covid; and 6) future work preferences. In addition, with permission, participants may be contacted via email after the discussion to elaborate further on any answers provided.  

Who can take part? Participants must meet the below criteria to take part: 

• Aged 18 years or older; 
• Based in the UK; 
• Currently working full- or part-time (whether that be self-employed or employed) in a job with a full- or part-time teleworking status (any working practice that substitutes travel & on-site work for computer and technology communications e.g. working from home or remote work etc.,);
• Physically disabled (defined as a physical condition that affects a person's mobility, physical capacity, stamina, or dexterity)

How will the study benefit disabled people? Participants will be contributing to an underexplored area of research, helping to enhance understanding of the experiences of physically disabled teleworkers. The findings could drive further needed research in this area and offer practical insights and recommendations for more accessible and inclusive remote working practices and policies. As a result, this could support better employment outcomes of physically disabled people and improve the teleworking experiences for all.

Expenses: There will be no expenses. 

 

What next / who to contact: Please contact [email protected] if you would be interested in speaking to Betsy Lake about your experiences of remote work. Many thanks and look forward to hopefully hearing from you!