Does the Interplay of Diversity and Inclusion Buffer the Impairment of Health and Well-Being in a STEM Organization?

Abstract. This study examines the interaction between stressful work experiences, workplace diversity, and inclusion. Our hypothesized moderated moderation model argues that employee exhaustion and affective commitment suffer less from work–self conflict, discrimination, and nontransparent work procedures when employees feel included in diverse perceived environments. A total of 1187 employees of a university of technology completed electronical surveys. The results indicated that the negative relationships between stressful work experiences and organizational commitment were weaker if employees felt more included in perceived diverse work environments. Diversity and inclusion did not shape the relationships between stressful work experiences and employee exhaustion. The study emphasizes the buffering role of inclusion in diversifying organizations and offers a better understanding of how diversity and inclusion interact with other work aspects.