Employee Wellbeing: Leading The Way Through Inclusion

"Being intentional and strategic about fostering a connected, positive, inclusive workplace culture is more important than ever."

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Inclusion gives you and your organization an edge. The fact that employees thrive and tend to do their jobs better and with more impact in an inclusive workplace culture makes it a true win-win for leaders and staff. However, an often overlooked aspect of inclusion is its direct link to employee wellbeing.

Workplace inclusion refers to the practice of:

  • Making all members of an organization feel welcomed 
  • Maximizing each person’s opportunity to contribute 
  • Providing all employees opportunities to advance their skills and careers
  • Ensuring everyone feel comfortable and confident bringing their voices and being their authentic selves

Employee wellbeing is an integral part of an inclusive culture. When employees feel included, they experience a greater sense of belonging, which boosts their mental and emotional health. This, in turn, enhances their engagement and productivity. A culture that prioritizes inclusion inherently supports employee wellbeing by addressing their holistic needs, including mental, emotional, and social aspects.

With employee engagement scores at a record low, there’s no better time to start or renew the crucial work of investing in your staff, providing caring leadership, and implementing a sustainable inclusion strategy. An inclusive workplace culture ensures that all employees feel respected, motivated, and uniquely valued, which is foundational to their overall wellbeing.

 

Strategies for Wellbeing and Inclusion

Being intentional and strategic about fostering a connected, positive, inclusive workplace culture is more important than ever. As we navigate evolving needs around work-life balance and workplace wellness, we must embrace practices that promote both wellbeing and inclusion. This includes emphasizing gender equity, accommodating flexible work structures for better work-life integration, and prioritizing mental health.

At the same time, the prioritization of mental health and a commitment to social justice are no longer understood as individual, personal or private political views but are now a standard by which current and prospective employees evaluate the immediate and long-term desirability of their work environments.

There are several things inclusive leaders can do to support employee wellbeing effectively: 

  • implement flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options and flexible hours, to help employees balance their personal and professional lives. 
  • prioritize open and honest communication, creating a safe space for employees to voice their concerns and needs. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help identify and address any wellbeing issues early on. 
  • provide access to mental health resources, such as counseling services and wellness programs, demonstrates a commitment to the holistic health of employees. 
  • encourage the formation of employee resource groups, which foster community and support among diverse groups within the organization. 
  • recognize and celebrate the unique contributions of each team member to reinforce a culture of appreciation and belonging, further enhancing overall wellbeing. 

You may feel nervous about it, but, luckily, establishing an inclusive workplace culture is not something anyone needs to figure out alone–experts in leadership development are here to help you assess your company’s needs, make a solid plan, and take the tangible next steps to ensure that you and your organization are not left behind as we all move into our brighter, more inclusive future.

Wondering how to take your leadership to the next level?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are sensitive yet transformative areas of change. They address complex human issues and often encounter resistance. To lead confidently and competently across differences, a sustainable path forward is essential.

Beyond Inclusion Group’s Inclusive Leader Coaching Intensive is a unique one-on-one coaching program for leaders who want to accelerate their growth in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. By the end of our coaching partnership, you will transform by:

  • Increasing your capacity to build a fully inclusive organizational culture, where everyone is engaged and contributing at their full potential
  • Growing your ability to notice and dismantle systemic inequities, so that everyone succeeds
  • Leading DEI initiatives with empathy and inclusivity, so you can increase buy-in and drive change

Investing in inclusive leadership not only propels organizational success but also enhances the wellbeing of every employee, creating a thriving, productive, and harmonious workplace.

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