Vital Lessons: Supporting Mental Wellness Through Inclusive, Connected Workplaces

Council and VanderPloeg explained that belonging and inclusion are not optional perks in public spaces—they are foundational to mental well-being, resilience and organizational success. 

Understanding Why Inclusivity Matters

Gupta explained that inclusivity is not just a social good but that there are real mental health benefits to creative inclusive environments. Research in organizational psychology highlights that workplaces where employees feel they truly belong see significant gains in mental health and productivity. In fact, a study conducted in 2019 revealed that employees who feel a sense of belonging at work report up to “56 percent higher job performance, 75 percet fewer sick days and significantly reduced turnover risk.”

Psychological safety, a climate where individuals can be their full selves without fear of judgment, is tightly linked to inclusion. In fact, research shows that when people feel safe to speak up, take risks, or share concerns, they contribute more creatively and collaboratively, while anxiety and withdrawal behaviors decrease. 

Further, VanderPloeg noted that while inclusive environments positively support psychological safety, organizations must also prioritize developing inclusive leaders through workforce training that addresses individual needs and growth opportunities at all leadership levels.

In fact, inclusive leadership and organizations that value diverse perspectives excel by boosting employee morale and overall workplace well-being. 

Policies that Influence Inclusion 

IDEA, which mandates equal educational opportunity for students with disabilities, is a strong model for developing policies that support inclusive environments, Council explained. Although policies like IDEA help ensure that students’ individual needs are acknowledged, under-resourced schools and organizations often experience strain and burnout trying to meet those needs. When federal funding falls short of promised levels, local districts must absorb the additional costs, ultimately compromising their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality services.

Layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs have raised alarms about the federal government’s ability to enforce IDEA provisions, heightening concern that systemic support is weakening precisely when needs are greatest, VanderPloeg said.

Council and VanderPloeg reiterated that inclusive systems thrive only when equipped with time, training and leadership backing. Without these essentials, schools and similar organizations risk perpetuating cycles of turnover and exhaustion instead of building environments where every learner can succeed.

Ways to Incorporate Inclusion in Practice 

Council reminded AFT members that inclusion begins with a commitment to grace and dignity for every person. Inclusion isn’t a checklist; it’s a culture that says “everyone deserves a place in every space.”

Council and VanderPloeg explained three ways to break down silos and foster inclusion across systems, diving into strategies for workplaces, schools and other organizations: 

1. Invest in Intentional Training. Council explained that professional learning must go beyond compliance to build behaviors that support inclusiveness, such as training to improve active listening, cultural humility and restorative practices. This helps staff feel equipped and valued rather than overwhelmed.
2. Empower Diverse Voices. VanderPloeg shared that a culture of inclusion must center voices, inviting everyone to honor differences and invite contributions across organizational levels.
3. Support Leaders to Drive Culture. Both Council and VanderPloeg reiterated that leaders must model empathy and psychological safety, as they set the tone for entire organizations. Leaders should recognize achievements and honor differences. 

Inclusion as Mental Wellness 

“Inclusion isn’t an add-on,” Council explained. It is important to recognize inclusion’s ability to support mental wellness and communal success. 

Organizations and schools that nurture belonging, invest in inclusive leadership, and sustain supportive policies will not only improve well-being, they also will cultivate thriving individuals and communities.