Workers with disabilities in the United States are more likely to claim that their organization does not emphasize diversity and inclusion.
LifeWorks, a leading provider of digital and in-person total well-being solutions supported by TELUS Health, released its monthly Mental Health IndexTM today, revealing that while 75% of US workers say their organization values diversity, people with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to say their organization does not value diversity. According to the survey, people from various groups frequently feel ostracised at work, which has an impact on their mental health. Women, ethnic and racial minorities, LGBTQ2+ persons, and those with impairments all have different reactions.
According to the monthly Mental Health Index TM, American employees’ mental health is deteriorating.
- The November 2022 Mental Health IndexTM score is 68.9 out of 100. (the benchmark prior to 2020). This score is one point lower than in October, nearly two points lower than in November 2021, and 2.9 points lower than the Index’s 32-month high in August 2021.
- Individuals who believe their organization values diversity scored substantially higher (71.1) than others (63.1 for people who are unsure and 59.9 for people who believe their organization does not value diversity).
Americans with impairments face the most serious challenges. Americans with disabilities are less likely to report being able to be themselves at work, having their ideas recognized, feeling cared for, and receiving merit-based advancements. Americans with disabilities are also more likely to get unfavorable feedback from their bosses and coworkers.
In the United States, persons with disabilities are twice as likely as those without impairments to say they can’t be themselves at work – more than any other group.
- Workers who believe they can be themselves at work (83%) have a higher mental health score (71.8) than those who do not.
- Americans who are unclear if they can be themselves at work have a mental health score that is at least 13 points worse than the national average (68.9)
- LGBTQ2+ Americans and visible minorities are 50% more likely to say they are unable to be themselves at work.
Workers with disabilities are about 70% more likely than non-disabled persons to say that their ideas are not valued at work (followed by women at 40 percent)
- People who do not believe their thoughts are valued at work have a mental health score that is 14 points worse than the national average.
Americans with disabilities are roughly three times as likely than non-disabled individuals to get unfavorable comments from bosses and coworkers.
- More than three-quarters of workers do not receive unfavorable remarks from their manager (78%) or coworkers (80%) despite both having a mental health score of 72.4.
- People who receive unfavorable remarks from supervisors and coworkers, on the other hand, scored 14 and 15 points lower than the national average, respectively.
- Aside from those with disabilities, visible minorities and LGBTQ2+ Americans are more than twice as likely as non-identified individuals to receive unpleasant comments from their bosses and coworkers.
Comments from TELUS Health Chief Operating Officer, Michael Dingle
“While it is positive to see that many Americans feel diversity is important to their organization, we are seeing a concerning disconnect between perception and reality for individuals who are part of marginalized groups. It is critically important for American organizations to commit to continuously listening, learning, and embracing different perspectives – to cultivate a culture where everyone belongs, feels valued, and knows they can thrive in a safe and equitable environment. Not doing so poses significant risks to employee well-being, retention, and business results.”
Comments from LifeWorks Global Leader and Senior Vice President, Research and Total Well-being, Paula Allen
“Taking a closer look to re-evaluate how diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are experienced by diverse groups day-to-day can uncover opportunities for improvement and a healthier work environment. What do the daily interactions look like between managers and employees? How can all voices be heard and valued? Are there safe spaces for employees to share concerns? A workplace can not be mentally healthy if there are vastly different experiences by some.”
Source – Lifeworks
