Around 30% of employees hide a disability at work — often out of fear of judgment or being passed over for promotions.
In episode 24 of “Diary of CHRO,” João Ricardo speaks with Antonio Vieira Santos, Sociologist and Innovation Strategist at global cybersecurity leader Atos, to unpack this reality. A LinkedIn Top Voice, Vieira Santos also co-hosts a podcast on accessibility and maintains a blog on the same topic.
“There was a report a few years ago from Boston Consulting Group that was trying to identify people with disabilities at the workplace because there was this idea that around 5% of people in companies have a disability,” says Viera Santos. “And what they found is that the number is much higher, it is about 25%, and sometimes it can be 30%.”
“People hide their disabilities from their own employers. Because they are afraid of being judged. They don’t want to disclose because they don’t really know what is going to happen if they disclose the disability.”
The sociologist clarifies that many disabilities are not visible, yet far more common than leaders assume — ranging from neurodivergence and chronic illness to mental health conditions and sensory differences.
The conversation also explores what organizations can do to build environments where employees feel safe and supported.
Watch the full episode to learn how leaders can drive more inclusive workplaces.
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