The 2022 research into workforce wellbeing highlighted several factors that had a negative impact on wellbeing:
- Excessive demands
- Lack of recognition and being valued
- Poor pay
- Problematic organisational culture
- Lack of opportunities for progression
The discovery discussions in 2026 and engagement with MA members confirm these five areas are still significant factors affecting our positive experience of work. We encourage everyone to look at our original wellbeing recommendations and undertake an organisational or team audit using these recommendations as a checklist for improvement and conversation.
In addition to these factors, the wellbeing and ableism research report authored by consultant Emily Elsworth captured specific experiences and reflections from disabled colleagues. In summary, themes included:
- Inaccessible recruitment and onboarding processes, specifically around reasonable adjustments
- Lack of understanding and empathy
- Poor treatment, tokenistic practices and experiences of bullying
- Experiences of poor management and communication
- Expectations of lived experience extraction
- Lack of progression and career opportunities
The feedback was generously shared by discovery discussion participants. It highlights the need for systemic changes to address ableism, within the context of existing legislation – the Equality Act 2010 across England, Wales and Scotland, and the Equality (Disability, etc.) (Northern Ireland) Order 2000 – and the MA’s Code of Ethics.