Workplace Inclusion and Its Associations with Psychological Distress and Work Engagement among Japanese Employees: The Moderating Role of Work Arrangement in a Prospective Study

Objective This study examined the prospective associations of workplace inclusion with psychological distress and work engagement, and assessed whether work arrangements moderate these associations among Japanese employees. Methods A web-based longitudinal survey was conducted in February and November 2024. Linear regression models were used to analyze 3851 responses, stratified by gender. Results Greater workplace inclusion was significantly associated with lower psychological distress and higher work engagement in both men and women. Among women, work arrangement moderated the effect of inclusion on work engagement, with significant positive effects observed only among office workers. Conclusion Workplace inclusion contributes to employee well-being and motivation over time. However, its effect on work engagement may differ by work arrangement, particularly among women, underscoring the need for tailored inclusion strategies in remote and hybrid settings.