Looking to better the employee experience? Start with the belonging blueprint.

Is belonging just a buzzword? What if we told you that it’s the foundation for a positive employee experience that can attract and retain top talent. Our research finds that a sense of belonging for every employee ensures happier, healthier and more motivated workers who see a long career at the company. In the Achievers Workforce Institute's (AWI) latest Belonging Blueprint report, we layout easy-to-follow steps to help organizations to successfully cultivate a sense of belonging in the workplace. Here’s your guide on how to get started:?

What is ‘belonging’??

The Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI) defines belonging as an experience of connection, security and community. It’s about feeling at home in one’s place without reservation. Our research shows employees with a strong sense of belonging are seven times more likely to say they are productive at work, compared to those with a low sense of belonging. Employees with a strong sense of belonging are not only more productive but are also less likely to job hunt.?

More specifically, those who feel a deep sense of belonging at work are more likely to experience great job satisfaction, better mental health and lower levels of both fatigue and emotional exhaustion. Belonging is a crucial driver of employee and business performance. Knowing the power of belonging is only half the battle. Understanding how to create a sense of belonging for every employee is essential. ?

A sense of belonging starts with support?

Benefits and fair compensation are foundational drivers for cultivating a sense of belonging. Our research has found that the right benefits lead to a stronger sense of belonging. The most effective tools and benefits that drive belonging are: ?

• Unlimited vacation (+43%) ?
• Digital pharmacy (+37%) ?
• Always-on listening tool such as an AI chatbot (+33%) ?
• Tools to connect employees with their coworkers (+25%) ?
• Childcare support, either on-site or subsidy (+23%) ?

Another broad winner is pet insurance. Overall, it increased a sense of belonging by 19 percent. However, benefits are not a one-size-fits-all approach. Different benefits appeal to different groups of individuals. For example, having egg freezing or caregiving support available does not increase belonging for men but increases women’s rate of belonging by 22% and 45%, respectively. In addition, childcare support increases men’s sense of belonging by 15% and women’s by 29%.? ?

We also saw significant differences in impact among people with a disability, who made up 16% of respondents. Unlimited vacation had an even higher effect, increasing the likelihood of a strong sense of belonging by 57%. ?

Why investing in belonging is a top priority ?

Our research confirmed that employees experience a deep and compelling sense of belonging when they feel: welcomed, known, included, supported, and connected, which are the five pillars of the AWI Belonging Model. Business leaders can build a strong sense of belonging at work by aligning all of their employee experience initiatives with these five pillars. By identifying gaps as areas for improvement, business and people leaders can make incremental changes that will drive measurable results.?

Ultimately, companies that prioritize building a sense of belonging not only create a healthier work environment that are more inclusive but also position themselves for sustained growth and competitive advantage that can withstand the challenges of tomorrow.