Belongingness is the feeling of being included, valued, and accepted by a group or community. In the workplace, it refers to employees feeling a sense of connection with their colleagues, supervisors, and the organization as a whole. To understand it simply ‘home’ is where our sense of belongingness is the highest. We feel safe, cared for and comfortable to be ourselves. It is therefore no surprise that research has shown that a strong sense of belongingness in the workplace can have significant positive impacts on employee well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity.

• Employees who feel they belong are less likely to experience stress, anxiety, or depression. They are also more likely to have positive attitudes towards their work and are less likely to experience burnout. When employees feel that they are part of a supportive community, they are more likely to have positive mental health outcomes.
• When employees feel connected to their colleagues and the organization, they are more likely to enjoy their work and feel a sense of purpose. This, in turn, can lead to increased motivation, engagement, and commitment to the organization.
• Employees who feel that they belong are more likely to collaborate with their colleagues, share information, and provide support. This leads to better communication, increased creativity, and more effective problem-solving.

Creating a feeling of belongingness among people requires intentional effort and a focus on building positive relationships. Here are some strategies that can help create a sense of belongingness:

1. Foster a culture of inclusivity.
2. Encourage open communication by encouraging shared experiences.
3. Coach people to provide support by just listening. This will build empathy.
4. Recognize and celebrate accomplishments – keep moving the needle towards we, us and ours.