The Emotional Toll of Exclusion: A Call for Workplace Accountability

Calltime Mental Health
Apr 16
4 min read

A conversation with labour relations specialist Natasha Tony

In this episode of the Calltime Mental Health Podcast, host Gregg Taylor sits down with longtime industry insider and labour relations expert Natasha Tony to talk about the impact of exclusion in the workplace, especially in film.

Natasha has worked in the industry for over three decades, beginning in casting and later serving as a union rep before founding her own consulting firm, Elevate Inclusion. Her work now focuses on building inclusive workplaces and shifting workplace culture in film, TV, and beyond.

This episode is a powerful, personal conversation about how exclusion shows up, how it takes a toll on people’s mental health, and what we can all do to help create safer, more inclusive working environments.

"Exclusion isn't always obvious, but you feel it."

When people talk about workplace inclusion, the focus is often on hiring and diversity numbers. But as Natasha points out, "It’s not just about who gets hired. It’s how people are treated once they’re there."

She explains that exclusion can take many forms—not being listened to, feeling dismissed or undervalued, or being made to feel like you were hired to fill a quota. These experiences add up and can erode a person’s confidence and well-being.

"The thing about exclusion," she says, "is that it’s often brushed off. People say, ‘Oh, that’s just how it is on set.’ But it’s not okay. It impacts people in very real ways."

What does exclusion look like?

Exclusion doesn’t always show up as a big dramatic moment. More often, it’s quiet, persistent, and easy to overlook.

"It can be subtle," Natasha says. "It’s the stuff that people brush off—like being left out of conversations, not being brought back for a second season, or hearing, 'You're just here because...'”

That kind of comment—even if it’s meant as a joke or a compliment—can land hard. "That makes people feel like they didn’t earn their spot," she adds. "Like they’re not truly welcome."

Sometimes exclusion shows up in group dynamics: always being interrupted, having ideas dismissed, or feeling like the only one who sees a problem. "You’re just trying to do your job, but you’re also carrying this emotional tax," she says. "Trying to figure out if it’s safe to speak up."

Building safer sets starts with trust

One of the most powerful points Natasha makes is about psychological safety—the feeling that it’s okay to be yourself, to speak up, and to make mistakes without fear of humiliation or punishment.

"If someone doesn’t feel safe, they won’t be creative. They won’t be at their best," she says. "And that’s not just bad for them—it’s bad for the whole production."

She encourages productions to do more than just post respectful workplace policies. "The policies are important. But we also have to live them. That means talking about them, checking in, and having people in place who are trained to respond when things go wrong."

So what can we do?

Natasha offers practical advice for individuals and productions alike. If you're a worker:

Notice what’s happening. "If something doesn’t feel right, pay attention to that."
Use your support systems. Your union, Calltime, or Member Assistance Programs (MAPs) are all here to help.
Find community. "There are more people than you think who get it. You’re not alone."

If you're in a leadership role:

Model inclusive behaviour. "It matters who you back up in a meeting. It matters whose voice you make space for."
Invest in training. Natasha helps deliver free inclusive leadership training through Creative Pathways BC.
Be willing to change. "The culture won’t shift if no one’s willing to be uncomfortable."

This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in film, especially those who want to help make the industry a healthier place to work.

🎧 Listen now to "The Emotional Toll of Exclusion" on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Who is Natasha Tony?

Natasha Tony is CEO and Founder of Elevate Inclusion Strategies. Elevate is an organization that specializes in building inclusive organizations and is committed to applying an intersectional, human rights, and reconciliation lens to all that they do. Natasha’s deep experience in mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution supports leaders in helping them navigate the stages toward sustainable inclusion. Learn more about Elevate Inclusion Strategies here: https://elevate-inclusion.com/

Natasha is also the host of Narrative Shift, a podcast with Natasha Tony that uncovers the transformative stories behind the scenes in arts and entertainment. Guided by Natasha’s intersectional lens and decades of experience, industry changemakers share stories of overcoming adversity, finding community, and nurturing deeper self-understanding. In season one, Natasha sits down with creative professionals to investigate the social impact of great storytelling. Listen here: https://elevate-inclusion.com/podcast/

Calltime Podcast

The Calltime Mental Health podcast aims to create a safe space for open conversations, amplify important voices, and provide valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by those working in our industry.

Season 2 of the Calltime Mental Health Podcast is your beacon of support, guiding you through the maze of seeking help and offering support to those in need.

Finding help for your mental health shouldn't feel like wandering in the dark. Whether it's therapy, medical support, or self-care practices, we'll explore the various avenues to getting the help you deserve.

The Calltime Mental Health Podcast will release a new episode throughout the fall until December. The Podcast will be accessible on popular platforms such as: