Need for Inclusion

Being excluded or marginalized isn’t just emotionally painful – it’s also linked to real psychological and even physical health harms (for example, chronic social isolation can raise stress hormones and weaken the immune system). By contrast, fostering inclusion – ensuring everyone feels they belong and can participate fully – helps to eliminate those risks. The need for inclusion may drive efforts to open opportunities to a broader range of people, adapt environments to be accessible, and consciously embrace differences rather than treat them as obstacles. Research suggests that inclusive groups are more innovative and intelligent collectively: for instance, diverse teams only reach their highest creativity when the environment is truly inclusive and every member’s contributions are valued. Moreover, inclusive norms (where no one is left out due to who they are) create a sense of psychological safety that benefits all. In sum, inclusion not only prevents the personal damage of exclusion but actively improves group performance and creativity by leveraging everyone’s talents and perspectives.