You can sit with us: belonging in the workplace 

The average American spends almost 1,800 hours a year at work (nearly a third of our lifetime). And when you put in that amount of time in a place, it’s important to feel like you belong there. 

‘Belonging at work’ often feels like a buzz phrase – something corporate recruitment videos and job ads throw around because they think it’s what potential employees want to hear. But belonging at work is more than skin-deep. Companies need to actively invest and strive to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. And not only for their employee’s sake, but for the sake of the company, too. 

Studies show that when employees feel like they belong, they don’t just perform better and stay around longer – businesses benefit, too, and could add trillions to the global economy.

Read on to discover what goes into creating a happy, motivated, and inclusive work culture – and why belonging at work matters.

Recognition pays

People like to be noticed for their efforts, especially in the office. 

• 69% of workers are motivated to work harder when they feel appreciated.
• 80% of employees are more engaged when they feel recognised.
• Employees who really feel recognised are also 65% less likely to look for a new job.

A culture of recognition makes individuals feel valued and respected. It can be as simple as saying ‘thank you’ when someone goes the extra mile or gives their all to a project. It can be celebrating personal milestones like birthdays, workplace anniversaries, and achievements. Taking the time to recognise and appreciate your team shows that you care, which positively impacts motivation, morale, and connection.  

Flexibility matters

Hybrid working empowers people to manage their work-life balance, helping them feel a sense of belonging in the workplace – even when they aren’t physically there.

• 58% of workers say they would either quit immediately (9%) or start looking for a new job (49%) if they were required to return to the office full-time.
• 82% of employees say their ability to work from anywhere makes them happier.
• 72% of executives agree that businesses with happy, engaged employees also have happier, more satisfied customers.

Living in a post-Pandemic world has made us reassess what’s important in life, both professionally and personally. Flexible work set-ups allow employees to flex their roles around their health, childcare, and other commitments. ‘Belonging at work’ no longer means showing up and sitting at a desk from 9 to 5. Hybrid working allows for a much more holistic and inclusive way of doing business. At MOO, we’re passionate about our ‘work from anywhere’ incentive, giving our team the ability to embrace location freedom.

Connection breeds contentment

Humans are social animals, and brands that prioritise team collaboration and connection create community spirit within the workplace.

• When employees connect and collaborate, they produce 73% better work, and are 60% more innovative.
• Employees who feel like they can be their authentic selves around their coworkers are 2.4x less likely to leave.
• With the help of a brilliant onboarding program, a study found that 82% of businesses improved their employee retention.

People feel more at ease when they know that they can rely on each other. Pixar is a great example of an inclusive workplace culture, thanks to its judgment-free and supportive team spirit. Co-workers support each other’s rough ideas (or, as they call it, their ‘ugly babies’) by creating a safe, honest space for feedback. They focus on collaborating and improving each other’s work to create truly outstanding animations.

Empowered to grow

It’s hard to belong somewhere where you feel constantly held back. A brand’s commitment to an individual’s growth is crucial in creating a feel-good working environment. A LinkedIn study found that:

• 7 in 10 people say learning makes them feel more connected to their organization.
• 94% of employees stay at a company longer when they’re offered training and development.
• Employee development can increase performance by up to 25%.

When employers invest in an individual’s goals, they’re investing in their company. Google has a great track record of helping its employees grow and succeed. Their internal coaching program, CareerGuru, offers detailed insights and advice from leaders in different roles across the company, helping employees bridge the gap between where they are now, and where they want to go.

Wellbeing is a priority  

Belonging at work feels like your unique identity, perspectives, experiences and contributions are seen (and celebrated). Companies who invest in health and wellbeing indirectly show their staff they care. 

• 93% of employees view wellbeing as just as important as their salary.
• The same study found that 87% of employees might leave a company that doesn’t prioritise their well-being.
• On average, companies that offer wellness programs experience a 6-to-1 return on investment.

There are lots of ways to support your staff’s wellbeing and promote feelings of belonging. From running lunchtime yoga classes and giving people their birthday off every year, to allocating personal wellbeing allowances so they can spend it on what makes them feel good – like gym memberships or buying theatre tickets. Having a strong, dedicated HR team is also key. There are lots of fun one-off events you can organise, too, like Etsy’s ‘Bring your dog to work day.’  There are lots of fun one-off events you can organise, too, like Etsy’s ‘Bring your dog to work day.’ 

Feeling inspired?

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