What are “natural supports” in the workplace?

Natural supports in the workplace refer to the informal assistance that coworkers and supervisors offer to employees. This type of support is essential for fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. It includes guidance, mentorship, encouragement, and day-to-day assistance that individuals receive from those around them, which can be particularly crucial for individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment.

Natural supports are beneficial because they create a sense of community and belonging within the workplace. These supports often arise organically as coworkers interact, share information, and help each other succeed in their roles. This kind of support is typically more sustainable than formal training programs or paid assistance because it does not rely on external resources or funding, making it a vital and ongoing aspect of workplace culture.

In contrast, formal training programs, paid assistance from job coaches, or governmental support services do not align with the concept of natural supports since they involve structured and often external interventions rather than the interpersonal, organic assistance characteristic of natural supports.