Workplace Wellbeing Month: Cultivating Belonging and Health
Wellness Coaching Initiative (Part of the Global Wellness Institute)
Our mission is to clarify wellness coach specialties and global guidelines through education and community resources.
Workplace wellbeing emerged as the top concern for organizational leadership in 2023, climbing from the #3 spot in 2022 (Gallagher, 2023). June is National Employee Wellbeing Month in the United States, a global trendsetter in workplace wellbeing. This initiative is especially inspiring because adults worldwide spend a significant portion of their lives at work, making the workplace a crucial factor for overall health and wellbeing.
Focusing on employee wellbeing this month offers organizations an excellent opportunity to review their strategic initiatives to support the whole person showing up to work every day (Gallagher, 2023). While organizations have long prioritized physical health initiatives, the focus on mental wellbeing is relatively new. Even fewer organizations connect these wellbeing initiatives to "belonging"—the feeling of being valued and comfortable within an organization. Let's explore the powerful link between wellbeing and belonging and how fostering a sense of inclusion can enhance overall workplace health.
About Belonging
Belonging is defined as “feeling happy or comfortable in a situation” (Cambridge Dictionary, 2024). In the workplace, it means feeling safe to express oneself authentically without fear of judgment. It’s about co-creating a shared narrative, celebrating differences, and avoiding groupthink. When individuals don’t feel they belong, their psychological safety is compromised, leading to diminished wellbeing. This sense of exclusion can cause loneliness, exhaustion from trying to fit in, health disparities, job attrition, and societal conflicts. Belonging is crucial in all areas of life—at work, in schools, at home, in healthcare, and within our communities—because it aligns with our purpose and nurtures future generations.
About Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Workplace wellbeing and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) are intrinsically linked. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in belonging, prompting up to two-thirds of employees to reconsider their purpose and work. Today, as we navigate the post-pandemic world, it is more crucial than ever to align our intentions and actions to create inclusive cultures where everyone feels they belong. Such cultures not only enhance engagement, productivity, and happiness but also significantly improve overall health and wellbeing.
In 2024, the urgency of addressing belonging in the workplace cannot be overstated. The modern workforce is increasingly diverse, encompassing a wide array of races, genders, cultures, ages, socio-economic statuses, and hierarchical positions. Ensuring that every individual feels valued and included is essential for fostering a harmonious and innovative work environment. Belonging is a cornerstone of multicultural wellness and is pivotal in mitigating the isolation and stress that many employees face.
Act Now!
At the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Coaching Initiative, we have developed a comprehensive white paper, “The Role of Health and Wellness Coaching in Fostering DEI and Belonging”, exploring the vital connection between workplace wellbeing and belonging. This document also highlights the pivotal role Health and Wellness Coaches can play in bridging gaps and fostering a sense of inclusion. Our findings emphasize that belonging is not a mere luxury but a necessity for sustainable organizational success.
We encourage you to leverage the insights, from our whitepaper, its infographic, and PowerPoint, as a foundation for fostering belonging in your own environments—be it at home, at work, or within your community. By actively promoting a culture of inclusion and support, we can collectively contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society. Let’s make 2024 the year we prioritize belonging, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Showcasing our work from the last month...