Does Your Team Feel Like It Belongs?

What makes employees loyal and happy to work with you? Good salary, inclusivity, and job satisfaction are certainly perks, but perks can only carry you that far.

After all, what stops an employee from looking somewhere else to a place that offers everything you do but more?

That "something" is often believed to be a sense of belonging.

And in today's short preview, we'll talk more about what it means to belong and how you can make your employees feel like they're more than just numbers on the spreadsheet.

If you'd like to read more on the topic, then check out a full article, written by Dawn Ferrara, PsyD, LPC on our blog.

What is belonging?

In conversations about workplace culture, the terms diversity, inclusion, and belonging are often used interchangeably. Though related, they each play a unique role in creating a healthy work environment.

Diversity: The Representation Aspect Diversity is about representation. It's the practice of building a workforce that reflects the community around your business. Focused on hiring, it’s about bringing different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences into your company

Inclusion: The Active Effort Inclusion goes a step further. It’s the actions and policies a company implements to make every employee feel valued and integral. In an inclusive workplace, employees have the opportunity to fully participate, contribute, and grow.

Belonging: The Emotional Experience Belonging, distinct from diversity and inclusion, is a subjective feeling. It’s when an employee feels that they are an essential part of their work community, respected and appreciated for their authentic selves.

The value of belonging

Belonging in the workplace goes beyond mere job satisfaction. It’s about feeling an integral part of the organizational fabric. Employees who feel they belong are not just happier but also more productive, innovative, and loyal.

An environment that is psychologically safe is one in which a person feels included, safe to learn, safe to contribute, and safe to challenge the status quo without fear of being embarrassed, marginalized, or suffering repercussions.

Key strategies to foster belonging

Creating a sense of belonging at work is complex. Despite implementing many strategies, ensuring every individual feels a sense of belonging is challenging due to its subjective nature. Understanding your workforce and what resonates with them is key.

Effective Welcome for New Employees

The onboarding process is crucial. A structured, welcoming onboarding sets the tone for new employees, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge. It shows the company's commitment to integrating new employees into the environment.

Building Connections

Encourage team members to form social connections. Organize team retreats, family days, and celebrate team milestones. These events are opportunities for team members to get to know each other and build camaraderie, strengthening the community within the workplace.

Celebrating Success

Recognize each employee's unique contributions. Use incentives, awards, or acknowledgments for their work on projects or community contributions. Recognition of individual efforts and achievements boosts morale and belonging.

Meaningful Benefits

Implement benefits that show care for employees. Options like flexible schedules, educational programs, and wellness initiatives demonstrate this. Also, participating in events celebrating diversity and underrepresented communities sends a strong message about company values.

Recognition like this promotes awareness and speaks to the value of every person and what they bring to the team and their community.

Inclusive Leadership

Inclusive leadership involves listening to all voices during decision-making. When employees feel included and heard, they invest more in outcomes and collaborate effectively towards common goals.

Open Communication Culture

Create an environment where every viewpoint is valued. Hold regular staff meetings and discuss relevant issues, encouraging diverse perspectives and ideas. This enhances collaboration and a sense of community.

Growth Opportunities

Provide clear paths for professional advancement, along with necessary training and education resources. Growth opportunities prevent feelings of stagnation and disconnection among employees.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Mental Health

Lead by example in diversity and inclusion. Creating a safe space for all employees is crucial. Also, prioritize mental health by providing access to mental health services and promoting mental wellness.

Understanding and fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace can be a transformative strategy for your business. It’s about creating an environment where every employee feels valued and integral to the organization’s success.

And if you're ready to provide your team with the help it needs, let's talk! Connect with us by dropping us a comment or a DM or LinkedIn. Or, if you're going to be on this year's WebSummit, let's rendezvous there!