Belonging And Inclusion In The Workplace: 3 Tips Plus 1 Hidden Ingredient

This article was first published by Laila-Josefin Azhar on Medium.

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in your workplace? Like your ideas aren’t heard, your contributions aren’t valued, and your authentic self isn’t welcome? Unfortunately, this is a common experience for many people, especially those from underrepresented communities.

I’ve set the theme of belonging for our quarterly topic in my region. I believe that creating a culture of belonging is crucial for building inclusive workplaces that attract and retain diverse talent. When people feel like they belong, they’re more engaged, innovative, and productive. They bring their whole selves to work, which leads to better collaboration, decision-making, and problem-solving. In short, creating a culture of belonging is essential for the success of any organization.

But it’s not just about business outcomes. It’s also about being human. We all crave connection, understanding, and validation. We want to feel like we matter and that our lives have meaning. When we create a culture of belonging, we’re not just building better workplaces; we’re building a better world.

So why should you consider setting the theme of belonging in your workplace? Because it’s the right thing to do. Because it’s good for your people and your business. Because it’s a reflection of your values and your vision for the future. And because it’s the first step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all. Let’s commit to building workplaces where everyone feels like they belong. Together, we can make a difference.

Here are three tips to get you started + a secret ingredient:

1. Foster a sense of community

Encourage team members to get to know each other personally. Celebrate milestones, create spaces for people to connect, and support employee-led affinity groups. When people feel connected and supported, they’re more likely to feel like they belong.

2. Listen with empathy

Create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Encourage open and honest communication and actively listen to feedback. Show ecompassionand understanding when someone shares their experiences or concerns. Address issues promptly and transparently. When people feel their voices are heard, they’re more likely to feel like they belong.

3. Lead by example

Set the tone for the organization by modelling inclusive behaviours. Be intentional about the language you use and the actions you take. Seek out diverse perspectives and voices. Provide opportunities for everyone to participate and contribute. Recognize and reward inclusive behaviours. When leaders model inclusive behaviours, they create a culture where everyone feels like they belong.

The hidden ingredient, or the part many miss:

4. Bring your whole self

I felt like I had to hide parts of myself at work for years. But then I decided to bring my whole self to work. Now, I show up as myself, with all my strengths and weaknesses, quirks and flaws, passions and interests. It feels liberating, and it’s suitable for everyone. I encourage you to bring your whole self to work too. Be yourself, and let your talents and passions shine.

But it’s not just about me. Bringing my whole self to work is also good for my team, organisation, and partners. When I’m authentic, I build trust and credibility. I bring a unique perspective and set of skills that can’t be replicated. I create connections and collaborations that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. In short, bringing my whole self to work is a win-win for everyone.

So why am I telling you this? Because I want to encourage you to bring your whole self to work too. Don’t hide your light under a bushel or dim your shine to fit in. Be yourself, and let your talents and passions shine. You’ll be happier, more fulfilled, and more successful as a result. And who knows? You might inspire others to do the same.

But most importantly: Belonging only happens when we accept and express our true selves. Let me know if you want to hear more about why.

Creating a culture of Belonging takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. When people feel like they belong, they’re more engaged, innovative, and productive.

So let’s commit to building workplaces where everyone feels like they belong and bring our values to the surface as we move forward. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

This article was first published by Laila-Josefin Azhar on Medium.