Workplace inclusivity, social support, and mental health of Taiwanese LGBTI + employees among different relationship status groups.
Yun-Hsiang Tien, Jingchi Huang
Abstract
Open AccessBACKGROUND: LGBTI + individuals often face workplace challenges, but how inclusivity and social support affect their mental health across relationship statuses remains unclear. This study aimed to examine how workplace inclusivity and social support correlate with mental health among LGBTI + employees with different relationship statuses. METHOD: Survey data from 7,695 full-time LGBTI + employees in Taiwan were analyzed using hierarchical regression, controlling for demographics. RESULTS: Single-partnered employees had better mental health (M = 0.64) than those with no partner (M = 0.76) and multiple partners/open relationships (M = 0.77; P < .001). Social support improved mental health consistently (β = -0.236 to -0.272; P < .001), while workplace inclusivity showed varied effects: employees with no partner experienced harm from unfriendly colleagues (β = -0.064; P = .006) and clients (β = -0.088; P < .001), and single-partnered employees were also harmed by unfriendly colleagues (β = -0.082; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Tailored workplace policies and stronger social support are needed to address LGBTI + employees' diverse needs, emphasizing inclusive environments for mental well-being.