The Sense of Belonging in the Workplace

Introduction

In today’s competitive job market, companies strive to attract and retain top talent. Beyond competitive salaries and benefits, employees increasingly seek a sense of belonging in the workplace. A survey on the "Great Resignation" revealed that over half of employees who quit their jobs in the past six months felt unappreciated by their organization or manager, or lacked a sense of belonging. Moreover, many cited the desire to work with people who trust and care for one another as another reason for leaving. Employees want stronger relationships, a sense of connection, and to feel seen.

Here are some ways companies can foster a sense of belonging for their employees:

Motivate rather than mandate: With abundant evidence that remote work is both convenient and productive, many employees question why they should return to the office. The office is becoming the new “off-site” and needs to be planned and purposeful, with clear communication of its benefits. Leaders should give employees a reason to want to come into the office!

Pick up the phone: Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Call team members to check in, catch up, and stay connected. Move beyond agenda-driven interactions that lead to online fatigue and connect on a human level. Calls don’t need to be long; their power lies in their authenticity.

Create space with inclusive norms: As employees seek greater connection with leaders and aspire to be part of a cohesive team, it’s essential to create more opportunities for team engagement, especially for younger members.

Remember, building these norms takes time, and it may require experimentation to understand what works best. Don’t rest on initial successes or be discouraged by failures. Keep track of what works (and what doesn’t) to evolve continuously for the better.

The "Great Resignation" presents an opportunity for leaders and organizations to rethink how they connect with employees, particularly in hybrid or virtual settings. However, this requires dedication and passion to create a new and improved work environment. Be intentional about fostering deeper team relationships and creating an inclusive, purpose-driven experience for employees, regardless of where they work.

The stakes are high. If employees don’t find the culture, connectivity, and cohesion they seek, they’re ready to look elsewhere.

Original Article: McKinsey

This article explores the challenges companies face in retaining employees in an increasingly hybrid and virtual work environment. The author argues that the "Great Resignation," a phenomenon where a significant number of people are leaving their jobs, is largely driven by the lack of belonging and connection in workplaces. Companies are struggling to create a sense of community and cohesion in hybrid and virtual settings, and the author provides suggestions on how to address this challenge.

These suggestions include creating physical spaces that encourage interaction, using video calls to foster personal connections, and implementing inclusive norms that allow all team members to participate actively. The key message is that companies must go beyond policies and financial incentives to focus on creating a sense of belonging and connection among employees, reducing turnover and retaining talent.