A Review of Workplace Inclusion: Conceptualisation, Dimensions, Antecedents and Outcomes

Workplace inclusion has become a key construct in modern organizational studies yet the current literature remains conceptually diverse. This systematic literature review constitutes a critical synthesis of 27 Scopus-indexed articles published between 1971 and 2025 addressing the theoretical conceptualization, dimensions, antecedents and consequences of workplace inclusion. After applying a structured search strategy in Scopus data base, four main themes are traced that are predominant and dominate the search results, namely: (1) conceptualization and theoretical foundations, (2) antecedents, (3) dimensions and (4) outcomes of workplace inclusion. The results indicated that workplace inclusion has developed beyond a diversity-focused approach to a multidimensional approach based on Optimal Distinctiveness Theory which focuses on belongingness and uniqueness. Inclusive leadership, organizational justice, inclusive HR practices and organizational climate become the important antecedents whereas psychological safety, empowerment and structural inclusion represent the extension of the concept of inclusion. Include all four themes in this section and suggest further research in this area.