New Workforce Data: The Erosion of Psychological Safety at Work

Feeling safe at work doesn't always come easy for people with disabilities, and for many disabled workers, that psychological safety is disappearing.

In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims explores what psychological safety really means in today’s workplace and why so many employees no longer feel safe disclosing a disability or asking for accommodations. Drawing on early findings from the upcoming 2026 Disability at Work Survey Report, Ashley breaks down what the data reveals about disclosure risk, DEI rollbacks, accommodation breakdowns, and the growing impact of leadership and manager behavior on trust at work.

This episode also examines why disability data tracking still matters, how accommodation processes shape long-term trust, and why manager training is one of the most powerful levers organizations have right now.

For organizations facing uncertainty, DEI rollbacks, or disclosure concerns, the data tells a clear story: subtle system changes are felt immediately by disabled workers, and safety disappears when trust is not actively maintained.

Show Notes:
The Disability at Work Survey Report provides data-driven insight into the real experiences of job seekers and employees with disabilities. Its goal is to help employers better understand the barriers disabled individuals face—and to offer actionable solutions that foster workplaces where people feel understood, supported, and safe. Read the 2025 Report Now. The 2026 report is out in April 2026.  Ashley Sims is the host of Disability@Work and the Director of Marketing & Communications at Disability Solutions.

Disability Solutions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing disability inclusion in employment. We partner directly with employers to strengthen inclusive hiring practices, improve accommodation processes, and use disability data responsibly. We also support job seekers with disabilities by providing accessible job opportunities, resources, and community outreach through our global network of more than 19,000 talent partners.

Learn more at disabilitytalent.org