How Leaders Can Foster a Sense of Belonging in the Workplace—and Why It’s Important

Let’s discuss how workplace belonging drives entrepreneurial success and the ways in which leaders can foster and encourage it.

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By Terrell Strayhorn, Phd

When employees feel a sense of belonging in the workplace, they’re free to be their authentic, true selves, which makes it easier to show up, engage with others, create solutions, and perform well. People who don’t feel workplace belonging experience anxiety, (dis)stress, and mistrust that ultimately hampers their performance and creativity. That’s why entrepreneurs and leaders should design organizational policies and practices to encourage it.

Well-known, but nonetheless important, examples include knowing a team member’s name, welcoming them into the company through appropriate onboarding procedures and traditions, and regularly checking in to see how things are going through staff meetings, one-on-one huddles, and feedback-based performance evaluations.