04 May Creating an Inclusive Workplace to Promote Mental Health

By Jackie Sue Griffin, MBA, MS

Respect is a basic human need. Being respected makes an individual feel more confident, creative and willing to positively impact society. On the other hand, the experience of disrespect damages their self-worth and well-being—and can trigger avoidance behaviors.

In terms of our work environment, respect exists when employees are valued by the organization and colleagues and can freely bring their authentic selves to work without fear of prejudice, discrimination or harassment. When employees feel comfortable showing and respected as their true selves at work, the organization will also thrive.

What a Lack of Respect in the Workplace Looks Like

Workplace disrespect can be considered bullying and includes verbal, physical, social and psychological abuse by an employer or other employees. Some examples are:

• Frequent hurtful remarks or attacks
• Sexual harassment
• Making fun of a person
• Intimidation and mind games
• Giving pointless or impossible tasks
• Physical contact: shoving, pushing, tripping, grabbing, etc.

Workplace bullying affects your employees in numerous ways, resulting in distress, anxiety, panic attacks or sleep disturbance, physical illness, reduced work performance, loss of self-esteem, feelings of isolation, deterioration of personal relationships, depression and increased risk of suicide.

This type of bullying doesn’t just hurt those involved. The organization also suffers from lost productivity, poor morale, increased absenteeism and valuable time spent dealing with claims.

Recognizing Unconscious Biases

Workplace hostility and exclusion don’t happen exclusively because of prejudiced individuals. Unfortunately, even well-intentioned people can hold unknowingly biases that affect others in harmful ways.

Likewise, creating a respectful and inclusive workplace isn’t only about removing toxic individuals but also involves educating your entire workforce about how unconscious beliefs and behaviors contribute to a disrespectful environment, even when conscious intentions are fair and inclusive.

Fostering Respect

Creating an inclusive workplace requires:

1. Civility – Respecting others no matter their differences and showing positive regard for others as equals. It manifests as treating others with politeness, courtesy and concern.
2. Pay Equity – Going beyond equal pay, it means that everyone has equal access to opportunities and financial compensation, no matter their background.
3. Code of Conduct & Zero-tolerance policy – Well-defined codes and policies for unacceptable behavior send a strong message that everyone deserves to be treated according to the same standards—and no exceptions will be made.
4. Anti-bullying & Harassment Training – are just a start. To improve such programs’ efficacy, your organization should pay attention to the program’s design and delivery, use empathy-focused interventions, invest in bystander training and form ally networks.
5. Acknowledging Differences – When organizations acknowledge and celebrate individual differences, it sends a strong message to employees that they are valued and respected.
6. Respectful Language & Addressing – starts with the use of inclusive pronouns. Asking and correctly using colleagues’ pronouns is one of the best ways to respect their identities. Sharing preferred pronouns in emails, nametags, introductions and meetings also creates a more inclusive workplace.
7. Respecting Cultural Differences – Variances in beliefs, values and behavioral norms can trigger emotional resistance. However, cultural conflict is avoidable with an active appreciation of diversity, recognizing individuals’ equality and building intercultural competence.

It’s important to know that individual differences make people unique, and providing a workplace that allows each employee to excel will only help your nonprofit innovate and thrive. If your goal is to create and nurture an inclusive workplace, understand that you’re committing to continuous education of employees on why diversity and inclusion matter, making everyone is on the same wavelength and allowing no disrespectful exceptions.