Workplace accommodations for low-wage workers: A scoping review

Abstract

BackgroundLow-wage workers carry a disproportionate burden of chronic condition morbidity due to their overall socioeconomic disadvantage and the risks accrued from low-wage work environments. Studies show low-wage work is linked to more occupational hazards, higher physical demands, more stress, lack of access to health insurance coverage and paid sick leave, and poverty - all of which result in poorer health. Work accommodations are modifications in the workplace setting that can help minimize health-related work limitations, and in some countries, employers are required to make "reasonable accommodations," by law, for workers with chronic health conditions.ObjectiveThe purpose of this scoping review is to identify what is known about work accommodations for low-wage workers globally.MethodsA systematic search of literature, using the PRISMA-ScR protocol, was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases through July 2024. Screening and data abstraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Studies that incorporated work accommodations as a variable and provided findings specific to low-wage workers were included.ResultsThe search produced 473 citations; 14 met inclusion criteria. Health conditions represented were variable. Most studies used descriptive designs, and over half used a qualitative approach.ConclusionMore studies are needed reflecting low-wage workers' requests for and receipt of work accommodations. Work accommodations may be an important target for intervention among populations with chronic health conditions towards reducing morbidity, work limitations, and health inequities.

Keywords: chronic condition; chronic disease; chronic illness; socioeconomic disadvantage; socioeconomic disparities in health; workforce; working conditions; workplace.

Figure 1.

PRISMA-ScR.

Figure 2.

Model A: work accommodations as outcome.

Figure 3.

Model B: work accommodations as explanatory variable.