Book Now!In today’s interconnected world, diversity in the workplace is no longer a “nice-to-have”, it’s essential. Whether you're managing a startup, leading a nonprofit, or building culture in a corporate environment, fostering an inclusive and diverse team isn't just the ethical thing to do; it’s a proven strategy for increased innovation, employee wellbeing, and organizational resilience.
As an art therapist and mental health practitioner, I witness firsthand how inclusivity transforms group dynamics, builds trust, and enhances collaboration. When people feel seen, heard, and valued for who they truly are, they contribute more authentically and effectively. This isn’t just theory, it’s backed by research and reflected in real-life workplace success stories.
Inclusion doesn’t start in HR, it starts in leadership. When those in positions of power adopt a diversity mindset, it signals that difference is not only welcomed but essential to growth. Leaders influence culture, and the choices they make - what they prioritize, what they tolerate, and how they show up, by setting the standard for the entire organization.
A diversity mindset is about more than representation. It involves ongoing self-awareness, a willingness to acknowledge personal biases, and the courage to listen deeply. As leaders model humility, empathy, and inclusive behaviour, they foster a culture of psychological safety; one where creativity and collaboration can thrive.
According to Harvard Business Review, inclusive leadership is rooted in six key traits: visible commitment, humility, awareness of bias, curiosity about others, cultural intelligence, and effective collaboration. Leaders who embody these traits create environments where diverse teams flourish, and where all employees feel empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise.
As a mental health practitioner, I’ve seen how transformational it can be when leadership is truly inclusive. It reduces harm, builds trust, and affirms that every team member matters for not just what they do, but for who they are.
At the heart of any thriving workplace is a capacity to think differently, adapt, and evolve. Workplace diversity brings together individuals with unique life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and problem-solving approaches. According to a report by Harvard Business Review, diverse teams are more innovative and make better decisions up to 87% of the time compared to homogenous teams (HBR, 2016).
In art therapy sessions, this principle is vividly apparent, since creative expression thrives in spaces where diverse perspectives are encouraged. The same applies to professional teams: diversity fuels creativity and leads to stronger, more empathetic outcomes.
(Cloverpop, 2017)
From a mental health at work perspective, inclusion isn’t optional, it’s foundational. When individuals can bring their whole selves to work without fear of judgment or exclusion, stress decreases, and engagement increases. Psychological safety (knowing you won’t be punished for sharing ideas, asking questions, or expressing emotions) is the bedrock of workplace mental health.
A diverse and inclusive workplace validates lived experiences, reduces microaggressions, and actively works to dismantle systemic barriers. These actions not only support employee wellbeing, but also help to create trauma-informed environments where people can heal and grow, not just perform.
Representation in leadership sends a powerful message: your background, identity, and voice matter. Companies with diverse executive teams are more likely to outperform their competitors financially (McKinsey & Company 2020). But beyond the numbers, representation fosters belonging, which is a key factor in retention and morale.
When organizations embrace inclusive hiring practices, create anti-oppressive workplace policies, and listen to feedback from marginalized groups, they build cultures rooted in respect and dignity. It’s not about tokenism; it’s about making space for real leadership to emerge from all corners of our communities.
The benefits of diversity in the workplace extend beyond internal dynamics. Teams that reflect the communities they serve are better equipped to understand client needs, build trust, and engage authentically. Whether it’s a mental health agency, a tech firm, or a public-facing service provider, cultural competency and inclusion deepen the impact of the work.
From my own practice, I’ve seen how diverse teams approach client care with greater empathy, creativity, and curiosity. They ask different questions, offer unique insights, and ultimately create more meaningful connections. That’s good for people, and good for business.
Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace requires more than one-off trainings or check-the-box hiring. It’s about building systems that reflect your values. Some key steps include:
For organizations committed to building resilient, future-forward teams, this work is non-negotiable. Diversity is a strength. Inclusion is a practice. And together, they’re a blueprint for a better workplace for all.
The true power of diversity in the workplace isn’t just about performance metrics - it’s about how we show up for each other as humans. It’s about building cultures of care, creativity, and compassion. It’s about leaving behind outdated systems of exclusion and stepping into something more equitable, more vibrant, and more connected.
As an art therapist, I often work with people who’ve been told that they don’t belong - because of who they are, where they come from, or what they’ve been through. And I’ve seen the healing that happens when they finally do. That same transformation is possible in our workplaces - when we choose inclusion as a way of being, not just a box to check.
This blog post was written in collaboration with Samantha Shakira Clarke, who is a leader in creating powerful spaces for equity, mental health, and embodied transformation in the workplace. If your team is ready to engage more deeply with diversity, equity, and inclusion, consider working with SSC and our dynamic network of professionals.
Alison Cutajar (she/her) is a Professional Canadian Art Therapist, and mental health practitioner who supports individuals and communities through trauma-informed, creative care. Her practice centres on inclusive mental wellness, recovery, and social connection. Alison offers art therapy, group facilitation, and corporate wellness workshops that bring emotional safety and self-expression to diverse settings.
