Have you ever been the only person who looks, sounds or talks like you in an office or room?
Belonging
According to the 2021 Census, 81.7% of the England and Wales population is white, 9.3% is Asian, 4% is black and 2.9% is from a mixed background (GOV.UK, 2021).
This means there is always a likelihood that an ethnically diverse colleague being the only one in a room or minority in an organisation.
Many people feel lonely, isolated and uncomfortable if they are not made to feel welcome and that they belong. For many, they have to act or be different and not be their true selves, meaning they can't thrive or be at their best, which can affect their mental health and wellbeing.
Instead, organisations need to fit around everyone's individuality and differences to truly achieve belonging.