Inclusion, Equity, and Wellbeing in a Changing UK

As we move through 2024, we’re facing a unique mashup of challenges in the UK: a new government trying to figure itself out, an economy that feels like it’s in a permanent spin cycle, and, let’s not forget, the ever-looming Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s like the universe decided to throw everything at us at once.

But amidst all the chaos, there are conversations that we as disrupters in inclusion, equity, and wellbeing need to have. Because if we’re honest (and we are, right?), the work of building inclusive spaces doesn’t pause when times get tough—it gets even more critical.
Let’s explore the big topics: how inclusion has become somewhat of an illusion, why equity still isn’t equality, the importance of belonging in a time of crisis, the pressing need for well-being, and, of course, what Black History Month should mean for all of us right now.

Where Inclusion Meets the Reality Check Inclusion

The word that looks great in every company’s values statement. But when we dig deeper, how much of it is real, and how much is smoke and mirrors? Businesses love to claim they’re inclusive—until budgets get tight and the inclusive initiatives are the first to go. As the job market continues to shift, those of us fighting for equity are left asking: “Is inclusion a nice-to-have, or is it non-negotiable?” Spoiler: we’re pushing for non-negotiable.

Equity Isn’t a Buzzword (And It Never Was)

Equity and equality often get lumped together, but they couldn’t be more different. Equality says everyone gets the same thing, while equity says, “Hang on, some folks have been left behind, and we need to fix that.” In a time of economic crisis, though, the push for equity can feel like swimming upstream. Marginalised communities—people of colour, women, and people with disabilities—still face the brunt of job cuts and unequal opportunities. So, how do we move equity from a “nice idea” to something actionable?

Belonging in the Middle of a Crisis

In a world where prices are rising and everything feels more uncertain by the day, creating spaces of belonging might feel like a tall order. Yet, this is when it matters most. People need to know they belong, especially when so many other parts of life are unstable. Whether it’s psychological safety at work or simply being seen and heard in our everyday interactions, belonging has to be the anchor that holds us steady.

Wellbeing Is More Than Just Yoga and Herbal Tea

With Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) around the corner, wellbeing gets even more crucial. But wellbeing isn’t just about offering the occasional mindfulness class or sending out a mental health survey. It’s about emotional intelligence and creating workspaces where people feel genuinely cared for. The days are getting shorter, but our ability to foster wellbeing in the workplace can’t shrink with them. Leaders, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, get vulnerable, and ask: are we really supporting our teams, or just paying lip service to it?

Black History Month Is More Than a Hashtag

October brings Black History Month, and it’s the perfect time to move beyond the hashtag and the token gestures. This year, let’s make it about actionable change—whether that’s confronting the structural inequities Black communities still face in the job market or pushing for real conversations that stretch beyond the usual surface-level tributes. Black History Month is about legacy, but it’s also about the future we’re building today. Let’s be brave enough to make that future inclusive for everyone.

Stay Brave, Honest, and Curious

So, where do we stand? The truth is, things are complicated. But complicated doesn’t mean impossible.

As disrupters of inclusion, equity, and wellbeing, we’re not here to settle for “good enough.” We’re here to shake things up, ask tough questions, and, most importantly, take bold action.

The challenges ahead may seem daunting, but if we stay brave, stay honest, and stay curious, we can build the future we want—one that works for everyone.