How Can Inclusion Help Support Wellbeing

In today’s dynamic and diverse workplace, leaders are increasingly focused on employee wellbeing. While companies are implementing wellness programs and mental health support initiatives, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the power of inclusion.

An inclusive workplace doesn’t just create a sense of belonging, it also fosters emotional and psychological wellbeing, which is essential for a thriving work environment.

Inclusion and wellbeing are deeply connected, especially in the workplace. When employees feel included, they experience a sense of belonging, which directly impacts their mental, emotional, and even physical wellbeing”.

Inclusion challenges organisations to reflect on their practices, adapt to the needs of diverse employees, and create an environment where everyone feels supported and valued.

But how exactly does inclusion support wellbeing? Let’s explore this in more detail.

1. Inclusion Creates a Sense of Belonging

At its core, inclusion is about ensuring that every employee feels a sense of belonging. People who feel included know that they are valued for who they are, not just what they can do. This sense of belonging reduces feelings of isolation, a major contributor to poor mental health. When individuals feel connected to their teams and the larger organisation, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and resilient in the face of challenges.

2. It Fosters Psychological Safety

Psychological safety is the belief that one can express ideas, raise concerns, and take risks without fear of negative consequences. In an inclusive workplace, psychological safety is fostered through open communication and respect for diverse viewpoints. This creates an atmosphere where employees feel free to share their thoughts and experiences, knowing they will be heard rather than judged. By reducing fear and anxiety, psychological safety supports emotional wellbeing and enables employees to fully contribute.

3. Reduces Workplace Stress

When inclusion is absent, exclusionary practices such as microaggressions, bias, rac!sm or discrimination can create a toxic work environment. The stress caused by these experiences has a significant impact on mental health, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and even physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue. On the other hand, an inclusive environment minimises these behaviours, making employees feel respected and supported. By reducing stress, inclusion promotes a healthier, more positive workplace culture.

4. Boosts Job Satisfaction and Engagement

Employees who feel included are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. Inclusion ensures that everyone’s contributions are recognised and appreciated, fostering a sense of accomplishment. This, in turn, boosts engagement, as employees feel more motivated to contribute to the organisation’s success. Engaged employees are not only more productive but also experience greater overall wellbeing.

5. Supports Mental Health

Inclusion is closely tied to mental health. When employees feel excluded or marginalised, they experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. In contrast, an inclusive workplace fosters a positive emotional climate, where individuals feel valued and supported. This leads to improved mental health, as employees are less likely to experience the strain of trying to fit into an environment that does not respect their unique identity.

6. Encourages Collaboration and Teamwork

Inclusive workplaces promote collaboration by valuing diverse perspectives. When employees from different backgrounds work together, they bring unique insights and ideas to the table. This not only drives innovation but also strengthens relationships within teams. Collaboration fosters a sense of community, which is essential for emotional wellbeing, as employees feel connected and supported by their colleagues.

7. Enhances Retention and Loyalty

Employees who feel included are more likely to stay loyal to the company, reducing turnover and increasing retention. They know that the company is invested in their wellbeing and success, which fosters a deep sense of loyalty.

Inclusion as a Pillar of Wellbeing is not just a box to check off in a diversity initiative, it is a foundational element of employee wellbeing.

Inclusive workplaces create environments where employees can thrive by fostering a sense of belonging, reducing stress, and promoting mental and emotional health. Leaders who prioritise inclusion improve their teams’ wellbeing and drive better business outcomes.

How will you commit to inclusion today?

About the author of this article:

Gloria Tabi 's family consists of white and Black ancestry by marriage, which gives her a broad understanding and lived-experience of both sides of the spectrum. She brings well-grounded knowledge and experience of the impacts presented by race and gender identities.

Gloria is a high-degree researcher specialising in social analysis on race, racism, inequalities, anti-racism, and Gender within Humanities, Communications and Arts at Western Sydney University.

Gloria is the author of Inclusive Teams & Workplaces: Everyone Wins!! She wrote this book to help leaders become aware of the unique racial barriers faced by some of their staff and how to fix them.

Gloria established EVERYDAY INCLUSION to work with leaders to achieve diversity, equity, and inclusivity in their workplace.

Gloria is also Co-founder of VoiceEverydayRacism which gives a platform for those on the receiving end of workplace exclusion to voice these issues for leaders to learn about.

Gloria is passionate about helping businesses reach inclusivity by supporting people and future-proofing their businesses.

Gloria curates these articles to generate discussions about how to be strategic with your workplace DEI efforts and achieve anti-racism. They are?FREE to subscribe.?Visit her website to learn more about services that can be tailored to your specific needs, or book a FREE 30-minute consultation call to see how Gloria can help you elevate your workplace diversity, equity, inclusion, and Anti-racism efforts.

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Gloria 's?utmost and real desire is to see your business succeed in inclusivity. That comes before anything else, and that’s her promise to you.

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