Background <p>Working with people with cognitive impairments and challenging behavior poses considerable physical and emotional challenges for employees in disability care. This interview study examines how managers perceive the conditions for the success of this work and which factors support employees’ ability to act and motivation in the long term.</p> Methods <p>Expert interviews were conducted with managers of residential facilities for people with cognitive impairments and challenging behavior. The semi-structured interview guide was validated in a&#xa0;pilot interview. The content was analyzed qualitatively according to Mayring. The interviews took place in October and November 2024 and the transcripts were processed using f4-Analysis software.</p> Results <p>The interviews indicate that everyday working life is characterized by unpredictable challenges. Employees’ ability to act is strengthened by a&#xa0;trusting team culture, preventive measures, and regular training. A&#xa0;lack of personnel resources and spontaneous absences increase uncertainty and workload. The meaningfulness of the work, especially through small successes in dealing with clients, is emphasized as a&#xa0;source of motivation. Tensions arise when employees’ individual needs clash with the demands of clients.</p> Conclusion <p>The results make clear that a&#xa0;coherent working environment, characterized by transparent communication and structural support measures, makes a&#xa0;decisive contribution to strengthening employees’ ability to act and motivation. These factors are central to long-term professional well-being in work with people exhibiting challenging behaviors.</p>