Towards measuring the social impact of labor inclusion | Hacia la medición del impacto social de la inclusión laboral

Development of a social inclusion and employment index | Creación de un índice de inclusión social y empleo

Abstract

This article presents, first, a research process aimed at the design of a workplace inclusion scale: the Social Inclusion and Employment Index (SIEI). The methodology, applied in collaboration with ILUNION Hotels, combines a critical review of existing knowledge, expert dialogue, and both qualitative and quantitative approaches in the development of the instrument. Its design is guided by criteria of relevance, reference to standards, and clarity. Secondly, the article outlines the main results of the study, showing that the perceived impact of employment is particularly significant among groups with lower initial levels of inclusion, such as people in situations of vulnerability, women, and persons with intellectual disabilities. Overall, consistency is observed between qualitative and quantitative findings, with some exceptions, mainly related to physical health or physical well-being in relation to the experience of inclusion. Preliminary psychometric testing of the questionnaire indicates favorable levels of reliability and validity, although some limitations remain, particularly in measuring physical well-being. Finally, key lessons, elements of the ongoing debate, and improvements made to the tool based on the experience are discussed.