Welcome to the Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing podcast for HR managers and business owners, where we talk about workplace wellbeing to make everyone’s lives better.

Fostering an inclusive culture is not only crucial for the emotional wellbeing of a person, it sets the tone for the entire culture of the businesses.

This means creating an environment that supports employees with visible differences, including alopecia, scars, burns, or disabilities. As HR managers or business owners, you'll know the importance of fairness for all your team. Bbut do understand the impact of visible differences on employees and how to approach and support them in a respectful and inclusive manner?

In this episode of Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing, Verve Healthcare CEO and podcast host Steven Pink talks with equality campaigner Laura Mathias, about the impact that Laura's alopecia (and, importantly, other people's reaction to it) has had on her so far.

Throughout the conversation, Laura reveals her journey of self-acceptance and the transformative impact of finding a supportive community. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing visible differences and prioritising authenticity in our lives.

Laura's journey began with two decades of concealing her hair loss, wearing wigs, and feeling terrified to talk about her condition. The pandemic brought about a significant shift, prompting her to fully embrace her natural self within the safe space of her home. As she navigated the boundaries between her personal and professional life, she discovered the liberating power of being unapologetically true to herself.

As business owners and leaders, there is much that we can take from Laura's experience.

When interacting with colleagues, it's important to be mindful of the language and approach used. Curiosity about a colleague's visible difference is natural, but it's crucial to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect, creating a safe and open space for individuals to share their experiences on their own terms.

The onboarding process plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for inclusivity in the workplace.The onboarding experience should be welcoming and supportive for all employees, promoting a culture of respect, understanding, and empathy, and offering resources that cater to diverse needs.

In recruitment and hiring processes, it's essential to create a framework where all individuals feel comfortable and empowered to disclose their needs and experiences. This includes removing biases, ensuring a fair and equal opportunity for all candidates, and refraining from making assumptions based on appearance.

Creating an inclusive workplace that embraces individuals with visible differences requires promoting awareness, understanding, and sensitivity, while also fostering an environment where individuals are valued for their contributions and not judged based on their appearance. Laura's experience serves as an inspiration for all to boldly embrace their unique identities and find strength in their visible differences.

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If you want to improve wellbeing in your workplace through structured access to mental health support, physiotherapy, GPs, or how to manage personal finances in a better way, then we have a solution for you.

We have a proactive approach that gets to the heart of the problem.

Visit us at www.vervehealthcare.co.uk and be sure to subscribe.

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