Invisible Diversity: Multilevel View of Work Related Issues Facing Individuals with Schizophrenia

Informed by a relational perspective of managing diversity, this study focuses on the following question: what multilevel issues are experienced by individuals with schizophrenia in their work and career? Drawing on 30 semi-structured interviews with schizophrenic individuals, their family members, healthcare professionals and NGO representatives, the findings suggest that at the societal-level, social stigma, economic conditions and lack of government support pose challenges to schizophrenic individuals. At the organizational-level, workplace support and person-job fit affect their employment. At the individual-level, self-stigma affects their employability in a negative way whereas personal motivation and resilience, support and realization of illness are facilitating factors. The study adds to diversity and disability literature by highlighting not only the invisibility of diversity and inequality facing individuals with schizophrenia but also demonstrates the interconnectedness of the factors and suggests that their work and employment-related issues may be simultaneously addressed at multiple levels.