Creating a Culture of Care: The Impact of Inclusive Wellbeing at Work

Employee wellbeing is the new workplace imperative.

Overall wellbeing influences life at work. According to State of Global Workplace 2022 Report by Gallup, employees who are engaged at work but not thriving have a 61% higher likelihood of ongoing burnout than those who are engaged and thriving.

When leaders add wellbeing measurements to their executive dashboards, this can alert them to critical warning signs that do not show up on traditional spreadsheets. This also shows commitment to prioritize employee wellbeing as part of their employer brand promise. When leaders take responsibility for the wellbeing of their workers, the result is not only productive organizations, but thriving individuals, families, and communities.

An inclusive approach to wellbeing at work requires designing programs that are accessible, culturally sensitive, and address the diverse needs and identities of employees.

Inclusive wellbeing refers to the holistic approach of promoting wellbeing and wellness for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, identities, or abilities. It recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of wellbeing and seeks to ensure that everyone has equal access to resources, support, and opportunities to thrive.

Here are some key reasons why inclusive wellbeing is important:

Equity and Social Justice: Inclusive wellbeing emphasizes the principle of equity, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to resources and support necessary for their wellbeing. It aims to address systemic barriers and disparities that impact marginalized groups, promoting social justice and reducing health and wellness inequalities.

Diverse Perspectives and Experiences: Inclusive wellbeing acknowledges the diversity of individuals’ identities, backgrounds, and experiences. It recognizes that different people have unique needs and preferences when it comes to their wellbeing. By embracing diversity, inclusive wellbeing creates spaces and practices that are inclusive, respectful, and responsive to diverse perspectives.

Mental and Emotional Health: Inclusive wellbeing considers the mental and emotional health of individuals, including promoting psychological safety, reducing stigma, and addressing mental health challenges. It encourages open conversations, destigmatizes seeking help, and fosters environments that support positive mental and emotional wellbeing for all.

Sense of Belonging and Community: Inclusive wellbeing recognizes the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and community. It promotes supportive and inclusive environments where individuals can connect, build relationships, and feel valued and accepted for who they are. A strong sense of belonging positively impacts overall wellbeing and resilience.

Productivity and Performance: Inclusive wellbeing has a direct impact on productivity and performance, both at individual and organizational levels. When individuals feel supported, valued, and included, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. Inclusive practices contribute to creating healthier, happier, and more productive work and learning environments.

Creativity and Innovation: Inclusive wellbeing cultivates an environment that encourages diverse perspectives and ideas. By embracing inclusivity, organizations and communities can tap into the creativity and innovation that arise from different experiences, backgrounds, and identities. Inclusive practices foster an environment that nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

Overall Quality of Life: Ultimately, inclusive wellbeing contributes to the overall quality of life for individuals and communities. It enhances individuals’ ability to flourish, experience fulfillment, and lead meaningful lives. By prioritizing inclusive wellbeing, we create societies that are healthier, more compassionate, and more equitable for everyone.

Inclusive wellbeing is not just an individual pursuit but a collective responsibility to create environments and systems that promote the wellbeing of all. By embracing inclusive principles and practices, we can foster healthier, happier, and more inclusive societies where everyone can thrive.

Ensuring equitable access to resources, fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, and incorporating diverse perspectives into program design to ensure that all employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to prioritize their wellbeing at work.

Allied Collective‘s inclusive wellbeing programs include a human-centred approach to assess and facilitate sessions that improve overall engagement within leaders and teams.

Ruhee (she/her) is the founder of Allied Collective, an inclusive facilitation agency helping organisations achieve their inclusion, training, and wellbeing goals.