Mental health and diversity and inclusion are closely related. You cannot ignore the effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health at the same time the disparity in access to mental health care across various communities cannot be ignored. The inequality and lack of cultural competency in mental health treatment cannot be ignored. Employees from diverse backgrounds can face lack of representation, unconscious bias, and other stressors that impact their mental health and psychological safety at work. Nothing can be ignored as they all are deep rooted, but we do see a ray of hope.
Today the modern workplace is consists of people of different religion, ages, gender and ethnicity. And one of the reasons for this outcome is economic globalization. Many organizations have realized that diversity at workplace can bring lot of material as well as intangible benefits. However, diversity has their own challenges like discrimination, harassment. disrespect, indifferent attitude and many more which can lead to a nasty consequence. Hiring a diverse workforce is great but this is not enough if people don’t feel wanted and accepted. Diversity is one part of the equation, to balance this equation companies need to work on inclusion.
Therefore, many companies have adopted diversity and inclusion programs. Inclusion in the workplace is extremely important for any organization looking to build a strong sense of connections and belonging and an engaging culture. Inclusive workplace is where all the employees irrespective of their differences and disabilities feel welcomed and valued for their contribution.
Here we need to understand without inclusion, diversity effort will not succeed. Some of the important traits of inclusions are
Every employee should feel that they have a voice and will be heard.
Every employee should feel the sense of ownership. The feeling that you’re a part of an organization that knows and values you.
Every employee should be given an environment for learning and development which makes them feel that companies care about their growth and aspirations.
Every employee should have access to resources which will aid them in their work.
Every employee should be provided with collaborative environment regardless of their role and department.
Ways to create inclusive culture
Firstly it is important to educate employees and leaders.
Secondly creating an environment for open communication where listening should be given priority.
Third and the most important is embracing employees to their full authentic self. As we all know we are at our best when we are our own authentic selves. Give employee freedom to explore their true potential.
Benefits of inclusive workplace
- People are more committed towards their work.
- People are more engaged with their work as they enjoy working.
- People will have better wellbeing in their lives.
- Reduction in attrition rate and people will stay with the company for a longer duration.
- People will be more likely to recommend their company as a best working place.
- Increase in productivity and sales.
- Improved participation and decision making.
- Reduce conflicts and miscommunication.
- Brings out favorable work cultural and happy and satisfy employees.
- Leads to increase in self- esteem and self- confidence.
- Better ideas that leads to inflation of profits.
According to Deloitte’s article on diversity and inclusion, it states, “A growing body of research indicates that diverse and inclusive teams outperform their peers. Companies with inclusive talent practices in hiring, promotion, development, leadership, and team management generate up to 30 percent higher revenue per employee and greater profitability than their competitors. Without a strong culture of inclusion and flexibility, the team-centric model comprising diverse individuals may not perform well.”
Therefore, diversity with inclusiveness leads to positive growth not just for the employee but for the organization. It is time that each and every company should adopt this for the overall growth of our country and for better mental health of our employee.
This post is part of the Blogchatter’s #CauseAChatter campaign.
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