Nigel Owens MBE: 4 ways to create and support inclusive workplace cultures

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Most of us want to believe we’re contributing towards a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. But until we truly understand the challenges our colleagues face, it’s nothing more than a guessing game.

Robert Half’s Belong employee network group hosted a thought-provoking discussion with legendary rugby referee Nigel Owens MBE, who made history both on the pitch and in his personal life by openly sharing his journey as a gay man in the world of sports.

From humble beginnings in a small Welsh village, Nigel rose to fame as one of rugby's finest referees, officiating over 100 test matches, including the 2015 Rugby World Cup final. Nigel's openness about his sexuality and willingness to share his mental health struggles have empowered countless individuals, challenged toxic masculinity, and made him a beacon of integrity and resilience far beyond his legacy in sport.

Nigel shared some of the challenges he experienced in the workplace and four core ways we can all contribute to creating inclusive workplace cultures that overcome them.

1. Recognise the power of authenticity at work

Carrying the burden of his concealed identity had a negative impact on Nigel's career and personal life. It was only when he fully accepted himself and publicly came out as a gay man that his refereeing performance and enjoyment of life, both on and off the field, improved dramatically.

“What will help self-acceptance is an environment—whether at home or in the workplace—where people can be themselves. That you can take your authentic self to work. That you will be judged on the content of your character, your ability to perform your work, and nothing else. Because a happy referee is a good referee,” he says.

“Unless you're happy within yourself and able to be yourself, there's no way you can be the best of what you can be. For you to reach your full potential, to reach your goals in life, your ambition, and the opportunities in the workplace, you must be happy in yourself and enjoy what you're doing within that environment.”

2. Offer workplace mental health support

Nigel emphasised that a supportive environment, whether at home or in the workplace, is crucial to being authentic. He credited the support he received for allowing him to thrive in his refereeing career.

"I went to my boss at work—Bob Yeman—my line manager, because I needed to find out if I could be myself in rugby because there was nobody ‘out.’ Or does it mean that if I want to carry on refereeing in the macho world of the sport that I need to carry on living this lie. That is a choice that none of us should have to make,” he says.

“He said, ‘Nigel, myself in the Welsh Rugby Union, we will support you 100%’ and they did as they said, as they still do today. I went to Buenos Aires a different person. The fear was gone, and that weight on my shoulders keeping me down had gone."

Employee network groups (ENGs) can offer workers at all levels the solidarity they need to navigate the challenges of self-acceptance. Open-door policies from management and benefits that include mental health resources are also excellent ways to give support.

3. Culture comes from the top-down

Inclusive and respectful behaviour should be modelled from the top down, with leadership embodying the behaviour they want to see from their teams. Their actions and attitudes set the tone. However, Nigel advised that while there should be room for empathy and understanding, there must also be clear non-negotiables regarding acceptable behaviour.

"The value of respect is crucial. But I think, just like on the rugby field, there are non-negotiables. Some things are just not acceptable. And if you cross that line, it will be dealt with," he said. "If you cross that line, then obviously there are consequences to it, and I think that's important in creating an inclusive environment."

4. Don’t be perfect, just be good

“We don't live in a perfect world, and I'm afraid to tell you, we never will. You can never be perfect. I could never go out to referee a perfect game of rugby. Well, I came close a few times, but I never managed it,” Nigel laughs.

“You can never be perfect. You can never create a perfect home. You can never create a perfect workplace. It is not achievable. And believe me, if you try to be perfect, then the perfect will become the enemy of the good,” he says.

“What is achievable is to create a good, caring, loving, safe home. To create an environment that is a good place to work where people are respected, no matter how different they may be. So don't try to be perfect, just be good.”

Read more: 3 ways empathetic leaders create inclusive workplace cultures

You can find Nigel Owens on LinkedIn.

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