Everyone wants to feel like they belong. In the workplace, a sense of belonging brings meaning, satisfaction and fulfillment. Fostering a sense of belonging at work is especially important in today’s environment, as many employees work remote and most conversations happen virtually.
Lolly Daskal, founder of Lead From Within, says a sense of belonging is helpful to not only individuals, but also your company’s bottom line. When employees feel like they are part of the team, they often feel intrinsically motivated to do their best work.
Although cultivating an environment where all employees feel welcome and valued is challenging, it is crucial to your team’s overall effectiveness and well-being. In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we discuss Daskal’s tips on how to foster belonging in the workplace.
Cultivate an environment of equality and inclusion. You might not always know when you are excluding employees. When you are purposeful about creating a culture where people of all backgrounds, races, ages, and walks of life are supported, you can begin to combat the exclusion that often happens unconsciously. Remember that an inclusive culture views differences as strengths, Daskal notes.
Encourage respectful connection. Another way to create a sense of belonging is to build a connected culture. When your sales reps get to know each other, they will naturally begin to want to support and trust one another. This connection helps build strong group norms that align with your overall mission and goals, says Daskal.
Remind employees that their work matters. If you do not ever pause to thank your sales reps or show them how their efforts matter in the bigger picture, they may struggle to see how they fit in. Make sure your team members know that their talents and strengths are important to your organization’s success. When your employees know that their work is important, they will develop an awareness that they are working for something more than a paycheck, says Daskal.
Create a safe culture. Everyone on your team should feel safe to express who they are without experiencing backlash. When people know they belong, they can be themselves without worrying about negative consequences.
Be generous with recognition. According to Daskal, you can create a sense of belonging when you frequently and openly express recognition and appreciation. By doing so, you express that your sales reps matter. When they know they are important, they feel empowered and inspired to do their best.
Belonging is a fundamental human need. You can help ensure your employees feel part of your team by creating an inclusive culture and one where your team members feel connected to each other and free to be themselves. As a leader, you can also show your sales reps how their work impacts the greater organization and that you appreciate their hard work. When your team members feel a sense of belonging, your entire organization benefits.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Lolly Daskal is founder of Lead From Within, a leadership firm that offers custom-made programs in leadership and organizational development. Daskal is one of the most sought-after executive leadership coaches in the world.