Besides customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction is an equally important factor for the success of any business. Many purport that employee satisfaction plays a part in employee goal achievement, employee motivation and positive morale in the workplace. One sure way to make your employees content and satisfied with their jobs is by fostering a sense of belonging at work.
Studies show that feeling a sense of belonging in the workplace can lead to more than just positive energy and friendships. Belonging is what allows employees to feel like they can be their authentic selves without fear of repercussions such as, different treatment or punishment—which can have a major impact on performance and retention.
Some may give priority to diversity and inclusion in a bid to increase employee satisfaction however belonging is the crucial piece of the puzzle, leading to psychological safety and employee engagement. Supportive environments are even known to trigger different responses in the brain, leading to better collaboration and problem solving.
Though more and more companies are accepting the importance of fostering a sense of belonging, it’s still a relatively new and developing concept. If you maybe interested and wondering how to create a culture of belonging in your company, here are four tips that can help foster the sense in your employees.
Recognize employees for their unique efforts and accomplishments
According to research, being recognized for accomplishments at work is the largest single contributor to an overall sense of belonging. This is especially so among millennials because they are uniquely conditioned to want continuous, regular feedback on their work.
Small, simple gestures are an impactful and cost-effective way to make employees feel truly valued. You could try something that goes beyond the standard “Employee of the Month” and try something like allowing them to announce big wins, honoring employees’ work anniversaries, and unique award programs. Employees want to be recognized not just for showing up, but for offering something unique and invaluable to the organization. To achieve this, you can show them how their individual contributions are irreplaceable to the company.
Practice candor and provide employees opportunities to share their honest opinions
Feeling free to express one’s opinions at work is also a major component in creating a sense of belonging. Having the ability to express your thoughts and opinions at work is more about fostering an open, honest environment where employees can’t fear to challenge the status quo. The employees who know they can speak their mind freely, feel more encouraged to contribute unique ideas that even command more respect from fellow workmates
Company executives also need to make sure they set a tone that lets their employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions. Getting employees to speak freely can be especially difficult, mainly due to workplace norms, their fear of losing out on bonuses, promotions, and even their job for speaking up.
To develop a more open and honest environment, try to identify issues and subjects that seem to cause silence, then invite employees to an informal setting like lunch or dinner to discuss them. You have to make it clear that you are seeking their honest opinions and give them an incentive or reward for speaking up.
Acknowledge and appreciate employee’s contributions in meetings
Employees feel a greater sense of belonging at work when their contributions in meetings are valued. Though quite similar to recognition, valuing an employee’s contributions is more about them speaking up during discussions, and less about their job performance.
Feeling valued at work isn’t just about promotions and salary raises. It’s more about how company executives treat their subordinates, from trusting their decisions to empathically listening to them in meetings. Leaders can show the employees that their contributions are valuable by simply listening respectfully and attentively.
Encourage employees to go to work at optimum capacity to improve retention and performance
Feeling comfortable with being yourself at work is an important element of belonging. In a major study, researchers found that emphasizing individuality on the job can lead to greater retention, less turnover, and even higher customer satisfaction.
Making employees feel comfortable with their true selves is especially important when it comes to improving the company culture and diversity. When team members feel like they have to repress parts of their personality to fit into the workplace, it not only harms the engagement and feelings of belonging but it can also keep minorities, and other potentially marginalized groups from succeeding at a company.
Company executives can make employees feel comfortable being themselves by emphasizing individuality during orientation. Leaders can also promote individuality by choosing not to hide important parts of themselves at work.
Thanks for sharing this article. I totally agree.