Voices of belonging: Integrating immigrant perspectives in workplace inclusion theory

Fostering an inclusive work environment is vital for retaining diverse talent. However, there is a lack of evidence and agreement from scholars and human resources managers on which factors contribute to employees feeling genuinely embraced, integrated, and welcomed within the workplace. This is particularly the case for immigrant workers who often face significant barriers to employment inclusion. This paper presents a systematic review of qualitative articles examining the workplace inclusivity of immigrants from a lived experience perspective. The themes identified within the review are mapped on the Antecedents and Outcomes of Inclusion Model proposed by Shore et al.'s (2011). This paper advances the theoretical framework that underpins research on workplace inclusion while also uncovering the strategies and adaptations made by newcomers to enhance their prospects of achieving successful inclusion—an aspect previously overlooked. These include Proposition 1: Impressions formed during the initial stages of immigrant affiliation shape their perception of the organization's diversity climate, which in turn enables inclusive leadership and practices; and Proposition 2: Immigrants actively and intentionally adjust their self-presentation to gain acceptance in the workplace, often prioritizing compliance with established norms over expressing their distinct identities. An extensive future research section is presented which reflects the recommendations from both the papers reviewed and the subsequent analysis.