Workplace perceptions based upon disability and veteran identities

Abstract: We investigated the intersectionality of disability and veteran status to determine whether workplace perceptions were impacted by diverse identity experiences. Our sample was 16,000 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees who reported having a disability, were veterans, or both. We also included a subset of nondisabled, nonveteran staff for comparative purposes. The data source was the 2021 VA All Employee Survey, an annual, confidential, voluntary organizational-satisfaction census within the VA. Using a mixed-method approach, we found that disabled, nonveteran employees reported greatest dissatisfaction with the workplace, particularly around feelings of disrespect from colleagues. Individuals with disabilities (both veterans and nonveterans) reported higher levels of burnout than those without disabilities. Finally, veterans were more concerned about accountability of staff and leaders compared to nonveterans. We discuss results in an applied context, suggesting how they can inform organizational efforts for diversity, equity, and inclusion. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)