5 ways to build a sense of belonging at work

5 ways to build a sense of belonging at work
5 ways to build a sense of belonging at work

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Look for an employee

Look for an employee recognition platform that allows employees to show appreciation whenever and wherever they prefer. 

The simplest way to provide monetary recognition, a necessary complement, is through a point-based rewards system. This allows employees to award points to others and redeem their own points for things they actually want.

SupportedA supportive environment requires

Supported

A supportive environment requires empowering employees to succeed. Provide all team members with the tools, training, and resources they need to succeed. 

Establish a healthy work-life balance to let employees know you have their backs on and off the job.

Leaders must enjoy mutual trust with their direct reports, be comfortable taking risks, and develop and share clear expectations and guidelines. 

Provide recognition to foster

Provide recognition to foster belonging

Recognition is key to all five pillars of belonging, so your organization should encourage and enable all team members to practice frequent, real-time recognition.

Create a workplace where

Create a workplace where everyone belongs with achievers

Organizations that develop a culture of belonging are more likely to have committed employees that are enthusiastic about their work. 

Cultivating a culture of belonging is essential for every company and leader who wants an engaged and resilient team where each individual contributor feels valued and included.

IncludedInclusion is a way

Included

Inclusion is a way of expressing the fact that your employees’ true identity and experiences at your organization are accepted and valued. 

Put these principles into action by making diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts a priority across the organization. Foster an environment of psychological safety so team members feel comfortable.

You feel a sense

You feel a sense of belonging when you are connected to and secure within a community. Wherever your true self feels at home and safe is where you belong.

Employees with a strong sense of belonging are ten times more likely to recommend their organization as a great play to work and feel enthusiastic about their job. 

To help you establish and support this important part of your organization’s culture, focus on the five pillars of belonging: feeling welcomed, known, included, supported, and connected.

Give employees a voice

Give employees a voice with an employee engagement platform that features tools like pulse surveys and always-on feedback channels. 

Use your tool to analyze results and pivot to building collaborative action plans to address pressing issues with your team members. 

ConnectedA diverse workforce ensures

Connected

A diverse workforce ensures that every individual sees themselves represented within their organization, contributing to a feeling of psychological safety and resulting in a greater ability to form valuable, genuine connections. 

Foster genuine connections by making time for team building activities. Find exercises that they genuinely enjoy and lead to meaningful and longstanding relationships.

WelcomedIf an employee feels

Welcomed

If an employee feels like an outsider from the start, it’s hard to change it. You only get one chance to successfully welcome a new employee, so make it count.

Start with a thoughtful onboarding process that is both structured and enjoyable. 

Both remote and in-office team members can benefit from having a defined, helpful contact and mentor.

KnownMake your team feel

Known

Make your team feel known and appreciated. When employees open up, listen closely and let them share freely. 

Team members need these moments to connect with each other on a real level. The insights gained help your organization develop cultural alignment as well, so everyone feels at home and comfortable on the job.

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