What is Belonging?
An organization’s culture of Belonging determines success in attracting and retaining the best talent. Creating a sense of Belonging is especially important given the increasing cultural diversity in the talent pool.
Belonging is defined as a sense of strong, stable relationships within an organization. It is what each and every recruit is looking for in an organization as much as the job itself.
I am reminded of a recent conversation with my friend Barbara. I asked about her work and if she liked it. She talked glowingly about her job and the company. This is what she said.
The harsh reality is that not everyone feels this way about their workplace.
What’s the Difference Between Belonging and Othering?
Othering refers to anything that ostracizes someone within a group an individual wants to belong to.
Consider my friend Craig.
We all know what it feels like to have a love – hate relationship with the place we work. People tend to leave their jobs to get away from untrustworthy colleagues and especially toxic bosses. It is human to put a lot of effort into establishing relationships in the groups we belong to.
That is why the best job is soured when workplace relationships fail to support our needs.
The Importance of Close Social Ties
Belonging is the result of close social ties within an organization. The strength of our social connections at work determines well-being. This is clearly important for success in the workplace.
Our understanding and sense of control is one dimension of Belonging experience. The other dimension is how we feel about our circumstances in the organization.
Two things affect how we feel about being in an organization: our self esteem and sense of trust. We feel more in control and understand what is expected of us when our sense of self esteem is boosted by others in the organization.
Inclusion and Belonging Best Practices
Belonging motivates us to help colleagues, form close relationships, help others understand what is expected of them, enhancing personal control, and teamwork in an organization. But. how can you create a Belonging culture to ignite diversity recruitment and retention?
We will explore this is the next article, but here is where we are headed. The following is a list of ingredients for promoting Inclusion and Belonging in your organization.
Upcoming Academy Programs
- May 14 – 17 (Washington, DC). Certified Diversity Professional Program. Register now.
- May 16 – 17 (Washington, DC) Inclusion & Belonging Conference Register now
- June 4 – 7 (Washington, DC): Certified Diversity Trainer Program. tool-specific. Register now.
- Starts the third Thursday of each month. Online diversity certification programs. Register now.
Upcoming Events
About the Author
Contact Us
[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]