When it comes to workplace culture, belonging is essential. A sense of belonging is what makes us feel safe, supported, and valued at work. It’s imperative for both our mental and physical well-being. These elements increase engagement, creativity, innovation, and collaboration among employees.
When employees know that their contributions—given as their authentic selves—are needed and valued, they’re more likely to stay in an organization and produce higher-quality work. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2022 Report, 42% of U.S. employees, when evaluating their next job, place a high importance on an environment that is diverse and inclusive of all people.
So, what can you do to make your employees know that they belong?
Open and honest communication is key to creating an environment in which people feel comfortable to explore diverse points of view. Encouraging employees to give their perspectives builds trust and respect. Lead with empathy and authenticity, and show by example that vulnerability can be a path to stronger connections.
“When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you’re showing a strength, not a weakness. And people see that. And people will thank you for that.” —Robin Roberts, Emmy-winning co-anchor of Good Morning America
2. Listen effectively
According to Esther Perel, effective listening means “receiving and reflecting information in a way that validates the speaker’s perspective, even if you disagree.” Building this skill gives your employees the space to speak their truth and validates their emotions. This ensures that people feel heard and know that their opinions are valuable.
“Listening is plenty of doing.” —Esther Perel, renowned psychotherapist and Fortune 500 organizational consultant
3. Celebrate diversity
Highlighting the strengths that come with different perspectives and backgrounds creates an environment of respect and understanding, which makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated. When managers keep this at the forefront of all their actions, they lead by example and elevate inclusion beyond words alone.
“Not only diversity of thought, but diversity of race, gender, lived experiences—that makes a rich environment and it begins to drive your culture.” —Rosalind Brewer, Fortune 500 CEO
4. Emphasize teamwork
Teamwork encourages collaboration and camaraderie. Recognize the contributions of your employees’ unique skills and ideas toward a common goal, and celebrate the outcome. As a manager, you can reinforce a culture of belonging by encouraging each person to bring their strengths to work, so they experience having a valuable role in the whole team’s success.
“Learning a skill is difficult. Learning how to master being part of that group and blending your skill with others—that’s going to make you happy.” —Geno Auriemma, legendary basketball coach
5. Establish ground rules
Put every individual on a level playing field of dignity. This might include a code of conduct that outlines acceptable and unacceptable behavior, as well as expectations of employees in terms of respect, acceptance, and appreciation of others. Hold people accountable to a culture of belonging by establishing productive boundaries. This activates the safety net that makes people feel comfortable with expressing their authentic identities.
“Coexisting with other people is also being respectful of their existence on this planet. You don’t have to be responsible for their experience, but you have to be respectful of their experience in a shared area of space.” —RuPaul, Emmy-winning host, performer, and drag icon
Managers lead by example. By demonstrating respect and inclusivity in your conversations and reinforcing a space where people are appreciated for who they are, you facilitate an environment in which everyone can thrive. Open up the channels of communication, such as creating an employee feedback loop to capture and address concerns in a timely manner, or holding regular team-building activities to strengthen connections. Encourage dialogue and keep everyone accountable to the ground rules of respect. Through your leadership, you can drive performance, engagement, and retention by empowering everyone on your team to feel like they truly belong.