WORKPLACE CHALLENGES AND INCLUSION OF GRADUATE EMPLOYEES WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Despite increasing efforts to promote workplace inclusivity, employees with hearing impairment continue to face barriers that limit their participation and professional growth. This study investigated the workplace challenges and inclusion of graduate employees with hearing impairment in Oyo State, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, and purposive sampling was used to select five workplaces with employees who had hearing loss. A total of 33 respondents participated, reflecting the limited size of this specialised subgroup within the workforce. Data were collected using the Workplace Experience of Employees with Hearing Impairment Questionnaire (WEEHIQ) and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings showed that employees with hearing impairment encounter significant socio-emotional difficulties due to communication barriers (X = 2.56), frequent workplace violence, such as derogatory remarks and discrimination (X = 2.71), and incentive deprivation, including unequal access to benefits and promotions (X = 2.66). These challenges were also found to affect their productivity and overall work performance (X = 2.74). The study concludes that systemic obstacles persist in workplaces, hindering inclusivity and equal opportunities for employees with hearing impairment. It recommends that governments and employers adopt disability-inclusive policies, provide assistive resources, and enforce workplace regulations to reduce discrimination and support equal participation.

Keywords: Inclusion, hearing impairment, graduate employee, workplace challenges.

Ethics and Conflict of Interest

The authors of the study acted in accordance with ethical rules in all processes of the research. There are no individuals or financial relationships that could be perceived as potential conflicts of interest related to this study.

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