The link between wellbeing and diversity

An inclusive workplace supports employees’ well-being through its positive effects on employees’ self-esteem, work-life balance, sense of belonging, social connectedness, productivity, employee retention, and much more. To improve the overall well-being of a workplace, equality, diversity, and inclusion must be a top priority.

 So, how can you ensure EDI and well-being are aligned to create such a workplace? Check out our advice below!

1) Ensure you have a clearly mapped-out EDI policy and strategy.

This should be reviewed on an ongoing basis and for it to be successful it must have buy-in from senior leadership who champion it and communicate it to all employees.

 2) A proactive approach to EDI training

EDI training should be mandatory for all staff and delivered in a way that is accessible for all employees. Ensure you review the training style and content regularly and gain feedback on the training to ensure it is covering all areas.  EDI training will help create an inclusive, open workplace that prioritises well-being.

3) Examine your  company culture

Employees' mental health and well-being are often linked to their experiences in the workplace and whether they feel they can bring their full selves to work and feel included and part of the culture. Look at your company culture to ensure it is one that is open, compassionate, and supportive of all team members. Again, ensuring senior leaders and managers have bought into a positive, inclusive, open culture and are approachable and compassionate to every employee.

 4) Ensure a diverse mix of workplace well-being initiatives

Everyone’s idea of well-being is different and ensuring your company offers different initiatives that appeal to a wide range of employees, considering age, physical and mental health, religion, etc, is crucial. Whilst offering fitness classes is an excellent way to support your team’s physical well-being, you must consider those with disabilities and offer an alternative. Designing well-being initiatives that accommodate the needs of different employees which will help promote both wellness and inclusion.

 5) Offer flexible working

Inclusive workplaces are ones that offer flexibility and reasonable adjustments to work schedules. Through doing so you will be supporting employees to manage their mental health concerns, incorporate more physical movement into their day, free up time to connect with friends, and much more.

6) Get employee feedback

Workplace EDI and creating an inclusive workplace is an ongoing process. Ensure you are gathering feedback from your team to ensure their well-being needs are being fulfilled and that they feel your company is inclusive and committed to EDI. Listen to what they say and adjust where necessary.

Your EDI Strategy should be linked to your overall workplace culture and the well-being policies you have in place. At MCS we invest heavily in our employee’s well-being, we created our own well-being strategy known as MCS Life, which works in tandem, with our overall EDI strategy. One of our most valued benefits is our investment in LifeWorks, a holistic well-being platform that supports the mental, physical, social, and financial wellness of our team. We are deeply committed to making MCS an inclusive, compassionate, and safe environment for all employees. Check out our other EDI resources here.

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