Migrant Wellbeing at Work: Peer Support as a Driver of Inclusion and Innovation

This chapter examines the central role of peer support in promoting migrant wellbeing, inclusion, and innovation in contemporary workplaces. While formal diversity policies often emphasise representation and compliance, they frequently overlook the relational dynamics that shape how inclusion is lived. Peer support, including informal mentoring, collegial bonds, and interpersonal validation, emerges as a powerful yet underutilised mechanism through which migrant professionals can build psychological safety, confidence, and belonging. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature, the chapter shows that peer relationships are not mere niceties but key enablers of adaptation, creativity, and collaboration. It analyses peer support models such as buddy systems, informal mentorship, affinity groups, and cross-cultural circles, and examines the leadership and organisational conditions that allow them to thrive. It calls for peer support to be recognised as core infrastructure: embedded, resourced, and modelled across organisations to unlock migrant talent and build truly inclusive cultures.