How to Foster a Sense of Belonging in the Workplace

Up to 40 percent of American workers say that they feel isolated and alone in the workplace. Since we spend around one-third of our lives at work, this is tragic.

Are you trying to foster a sense of belonging in your workplace? If two in five of your workforce has the same feelings, you’re not doing enough!

You want your employers to feel at home while they’re at work. But, improving the productivity and inclusiveness of your workforce isn’t easy.

Do you want to know how it’s done? Check out our tips for creating a sense of belonging at your organization below.

1. Take a Genuine Interest in Your Employees 

You can’t fake this! You either care about your employees or you don’t. But, you really need to show that you want to develop your staff professional.

Yet, this is also about getting to know your employees personally. That’s more than simply being able to recall their names.

You may want to take an interest in their family life. Do they have kids? How do they spend their weekends?

You can encourage this by holding weekly meetings between yourself and your employees. These could be one-on-one or with the whole team.

You need to find out how to be professional and also be friendly and kind to your employees. 

2. Show Your Recognize Achievements and Efforts

Why do people quit their jobs? The answer for nearly four-fifths of workers is that they simply don’t feel appreciated at work.

If you fail to display appreciation for your employee’s efforts and achievements, don’t be confident that they’ll stick around for long.

Of course, one-on-ones with your staff is vitally important. This is where you give them a performance review and tell them how great they are.

But, you shouldn’t neglect to announce to the whole workforce about the accomplishments of individual members of staff.

Often, simply “thank you” when your workers do well is enough to make people feel that you appreciate what they do.

3. Get Your Staff to Collaborate More

How often do your employees work together with each other? It’s easy for your staff to spend the entire not talking to anyone beyond the people immediately around them.

You need to find ways to bring people from different departments and teams together. How can you encourage this?

Make arrangements for company-wide meetings and events. You could also introduce “hot desking” that allows your staff to mix better.

If you have any remote workers, ask them to come in occasionally to interact with the rest of the organization’s workers. By mixing together, your staff will also improve their understanding of other people’s jobs. 

4. Encourage Feedback From Employees

When you create an environment whereby nobody can criticize their employer, this doesn’t make any feel at home.

But, you can always encourage feedback between you and your employees. Encouraging your employees to express themselves freely can make them feel valued and comfortable at work.

This is especially important to women, according to surveys. You don’t want your workplace to appear like an “old boy’s club.”

This is also apparently particularly essential among millennials. This may be because younger generations are more individualistic and like to share their views.

5. Promote Diversity in the Workplace

Obviously, it’s against the law to discriminate against people based on gender, age, race, religion or sexuality.

Nevertheless, many organizations don’t provide a welcoming environment for minorities and women.

You need to ensure that your company is always open and welcome to anyone, regardless of any of these characteristics.

6. Provide Your Workers With Benefits 

Your workforce shouldn’t only expect a salary. There are also numerous benefits you should provide your workers.

This could depend on your working environment. If your workplace is based in a busy urban environment, you may pay for public transport costs or include a cycle to work scheme.

Other benefits may include free child care services, gym membership, and yoga classes and even merchandise with the company logo on it.

7. Invest in Training and Development

Up to 93 percent of workers say that they would stay a company for longer if they provide training and development.

You need to show your workers that you don’t simply want to squeeze everything out of them and give nothing back.

You have a duty to improve their careers and develop their skills at the same time. Sending your workers to conferences or workshops can make a difference.

Your staff will always feel more included in the organization if you invest in their future as well. 

8. Celebrate Special Occasions 

What do you do when it’s someone’s birthday? How do you celebrate an employee’s milestone at the company?

There are several special occasions that you could celebrate more. Even pausing work briefly to cut a slice of cake or sing happy birthday can make someone feel like their part of something bigger than themselves.

When you have an employee who has worked for your organization for ten years, this shouldn’t be neglected. This worker has shown loyalty and commitment to you.

You can always give them a bonus at the end of the month or even have a small party to celebrate what they have achieved at the company.

How to Foster a Sense of Belonging at Your Workplace?

Do you think that your workers don’t feel a sense of belonging at your organization?

This could be because you haven’t worked hard enough to show that you want them to be part of the company’s future.

Now you know our tips to foster a feeling of belonging in your workplace. Check out more business advice on our blog.