Reframing Workplace Inclusion: A Dual-Sample Validation of The 8-Inclusion Needs of All People Framework as a Human-Centered Construct

Despite investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), many organizations struggle to define and embed inclusion in scalable, sustainable ways. The 8-Inclusion Needs of All People framework offers a shift from identity-specific approaches to a universal, human-centered model grounded in behavioral science. This study provides empirical validation across two datasets: an organizational sample (n = 46) and a broader independent sample (n = 115). Analyses revealed strong internal consistency, a unidimensional factor structure, and significant predictive relationships between inclusion needs and perceived inclusion outcomes. No significant differences were observed across gender or intersectional identity groupings, supporting the framework’s core proposition that inclusion needs are shared human requirements. These findings suggest that the framework offers a scalable tool for diagnosing and embedding inclusive practices across diverse organizational contexts.