How to Create a Sense of Belonging at Work
Imagine going to work for 40 hours per week, in an environment where you are not welcome.
How might this make you feel? Perhaps you do not have to imagine.
Consider that you may work with people who feel this way every day. Individuals are often excluded based on their sexuality, gender, religion, ethnicity, ability, age, size or other uncontrollable factors.
However, some individuals may exclude themselves because they do not feel worthy or lack the confidence in themselves.
Above all, unambiguously declare your workplace an atmosphere where everyone is welcome. It’s up to all of us to create an inclusive workplace.
Here are some ideas on how we all can improve:
How Leaders Can Foster a Sense of Belonging
Collect Data
Conduct an employee engagement survey to better understand your company’s strengths and weaknesses. The survey will reveal which demographic groups feel more or less welcome in the workplace and why that is the case.
Utilize this information to cultivate a sense of belonging that extends to each and every employee.
Foster Inclusion
Exclusion can occur even when it is unintended. Therefore, it is important to actively include everyone in the workplace. Invite all of your employees to relevant meetings, luncheons, workshops, extracurricular activities, etc.
Give each employee the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings when appropriate. Encourage the formation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for underrepresented communities.
Encourage Storytelling
Anecdotes are a way of communicating, bonding, learning and growing. They allow people to relate to one another and form a meaningful connection.
Employees that are able to form a connection with their colleagues through storytelling are more likely to feel as though they belong. As a leader, you may want to encourage the vulnerability of your employees by sharing a story that you hold close to your heart.
Build Whole-Hearted Relationships
Employees that have formed genuine relationships with their leaders will readily accept and provide feedback. This exchange of information will allow them to grow within their role and understand that they are a valuable member of the company.
You may want to consider creating a mentorship program, particularly for employees from underrepresented groups. Oftentimes, employees that feel as though they don’t belong lack mentorship and representation within a company.
How Employees Can Create an Inclusive Workplace
Look Inward
It is important to understand why you feel as though you don’t belong. Reflecting upon personal beliefs and experiences may help you recognize and address barriers to belonging.
While ridding your mind of outdated beliefs, you may welcome new ones that encourage belonging.
Accept Others
Taking the time to understand the perspectives of your colleagues is invaluable. When interacting with team members, practice acceptance.
Those who feel accepted also feel as though they belong. And, you are likely to receive the same treatment you provide others with. Recognizing the thoughts and feelings of others will create an inclusive environment for all.
Cut the Criticism
Those who are overly critical of themselves inadvertently isolate themselves. The feeling of inadequacy makes it difficult to confidently interact with others.
If you have noticed that you are particularly harsh on yourself, you may want to practice self-acceptance. For example, create a positive mantra and repeat it throughout the day to encourage productivity and success.
Avoid Isolation
When you feel that you do not belong somewhere, you may attempt to isolate yourself. Isolation prevents belonging, thus creating a vicious cycle.
In order to avoid isolation and create a sense of belonging, you’ll have to step out of your comfort zone. For example, if you find that a colleague or a group of colleagues are having lunch, politely ask if you may join them.
Start Outside
Foster a sense of belonging in communities outside of your workplace. For example, a local church, a sports group or a gardening club. You will be able to build confidence in a social setting that is more familiar. Once you feel that you belong somewhere, you’ll be open to belonging elsewhere.
Why Belonging at Work Matters
When an employee feels as though they don’t belong, they may experience a decline in mental health. In turn, this affects their team members, leaders and the success of their organization.
Excluded employees do not feel confident in their decisions, they are unable to collaborate with their colleagues and they fail to produce quality work on time.
Leaders that foster a sense of belonging at work find that collaboration, productivity and engagement increase among employees.
Inclusive leaders empower employees to show up on time and put their best foot forward. Most importantly, they allow employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
Based on a nationwide survey of nearly 1,789 full-time workers, BetterUp found that employees:
Who feel as though they belong take 75% fewer sick days.
Are 167% more likely to recommend their company to others when they feel as though they belong.
Who feel as though they belong experience a 56% increase in performance.
Experience 27% less psychological safety when they feel as though they do not belong.
Have a 50% higher turnover rate when they feel that they do not belong.
How Belonging Differs From Diversity & Inclusion
A workforce that has cultivated a sense of belonging empowers all employees to be their authentic selves. Employees do not have to alter their appearance, behavior or values to be welcomed
A diverse workforce represents employees of all religions, ethnicities, languages, abilities, ages, sizes, sexualities, genders and so on.
An inclusive workforce allows all employees access to opportunities and resources that will advance their career, enables all employees to contribute their thoughts and ideas, and ensures that all employees are able to participate in relevant meetings, workshops and activities.
Further Resources to Cultivate Workplace Belonging
(Article) The Right Culture: Not Just About Employee Satisfaction by Gallup
(Video) The Power of Belonging by Pat Wadors for LinkedIn
(Video) How to Go Beyond Diversity and Inclusion to Community and Belonging by E’Ula Green for TedX
Life is too short to feel excluded or to exclude others. Everyone deserves to feel as though they belong.
Whether you’re a leader or an employee, creating a sense of belonging is a responsibility that should be taken seriously.
Diversity and inclusion practices are simply stepping stones to a workplace where all individuals feel as though they belong.
