The Power of Belonging at Work

Belonging at work is a fundamental human need. It's the feeling you get when you’re accepted, valued, and appreciated for who you are and what you bring to the table. It’s excruciating when it’s missing, I know when that’s happened to me it led to feelings of isolation and self-doubt, not great for my wellbeing or my productivity at work.  In a high-demand environment feeling like you don’t belong creates the perfect conditions for burnout.  
 
Belonging at work brings a sense of comfort, security, and a feeling of being part of something greater than yourself. It's the foundation of a healthy workplace culture, and it's something that many of us work hard to achieve, but isn’t entirely in our control to experience.  The way you’re treated, valued and recognized plays a big part in supporting (or sabotaging) your feelings of belonging.
 
Belonging also provides a sense of purpose, one that’s often built in at home (unconditional love) but can feel very “conditional” at work. Ensuring belonging is reliably present in the workplace is key for organizations, because you’re more likely to collaborate with your colleagues and share your knowledge and expertise freely, which leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.
 
While it’s not always in your control to experience belonging at work, there are ways you can actively contribute to creating a stronger sense of belonging for yourself:
 

• Show appreciation and kindness: Take the time to acknowledge and appreciate your colleagues' efforts. Offer genuine compliments, express gratitude, and show kindness towards others. Small gestures can go a long way in fostering a sense of belonging.

 

• Embrace diversity and inclusion: Respect and appreciate the diversity of your coworkers and leaders. Be open-minded, inclusive, and willing to learn from different perspectives. Celebrate cultural differences and contribute to an environment that values diversity.

• Actively participate and engage: Get involved in team activities, meetings, and discussions. Contribute your ideas, opinions, and skills. Actively participate in group projects or employee committees, collaborate with colleagues, and seek opportunities to make meaningful contributions.

 

• Foster connections and relationships: Take the initiative to connect with your colleagues/manager on a personal level. Engage in conversations beyond work-related topics, show interest in their lives, and be a good listener. Building genuine relationships can create a sense of camaraderie and belonging.

 

• Offer support and collaboration: Be willing to offer assistance and support to your colleagues/manager. Collaborate on projects, share knowledge and resources, and create a helpful and supportive work environment. By fostering a collaborative culture, you contribute to a sense of belonging for yourself and others.

 

• Seek growth and development opportunities: Take ownership of your professional growth by seeking learning and development opportunities. Acquire new skills, expand your knowledge, and contribute your expertise to the team. By continuously growing, you contribute to the overall success of the organization and enhance your sense of belonging.

 
Building a sense of belonging is a collective effort, and as an individual, you can make a significant impact by fostering positive relationships, promoting inclusivity, and actively engaging with your colleagues.  Fostering a deeper sense of belonging at work also enhances your wellbeing. You spend a significant portion of your life at work, and it's essential you feel a connection with the people with whom you work. Wellness and belonging are linked because belonging means you’re less likely to experience stress, anxiety, and burnout (and if you do, you have people around you at work who can help). 
 
Belonging at work is essential for your wellbeing, engagement, and productivity. It's a basic human need that we all crave and when you feel like you belong, you’re more likely to be satisfied with your work, making meaningful contributions to your organization's success. It's an investment that pays dividends for everyone involved.

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