Understanding belonging: Why it matters and how to build it

Cultivating a sense of belonging is essential for caring for your employees’ wellbeing, and creating resilient teams. Discover simple steps to foster a stronger sense of belonging in your workplace.

Feeling like we belong isn't just a desire; it's a fundamental need that profoundly influences our wellbeing, especially within the workplace. Research highlights that 40% of employees experience feelings of isolation, contributing to widespread disconnection and high turnover rates. However, building a sense of belonging can help reverse these trends, leading to happier, healthier, and more effective teams.

At Scribl, we look at human connection through four foundational pillars: belonging, empathy, trust, and engagement. In this article, we delve into the concept of belonging – what it entails, why it is so important, and practical strategies to develop it within your team.

What is belonging?

Belonging means being seen, embraced, and backed by others, and reciprocating that acceptance. It grows slowly over time, with people who affirm us as our full, authentic selves.

Why belonging matters

Belonging goes beyond fostering camaraderie – it’s about nurturing wellbeing. Research shows that when we feel like we belong, we feel happier, less lonely, and experience less social anxiety. Belonging, or the lack of it, is also a strong predictor of depression, even more than other factors like social support and conflict.

A sense of belonging is like having a safety net in challenging situations, too. Feeling like we have real support helps us manage stress and cope with difficulties more effectively, at work or at home.

Belonging not only makes people feel better, but it’s a key to creating strong, resilient teams. Research shows that when employees feel like they belong, turnover risk drops by 50%.

How to build belonging

Promote acceptance, inclusion, and a culture of support on your team with these tips to build belonging.

Seize small opportunities to connect.

Take advantage of the in-between moments in your work day, like passing someone by in the office or when you’re funneling into a zoom meeting. Give them a genuine compliment, or simply ask them how their day is going. Even small moments of connection can help someone feel seen and supported.

Embrace the process.

Remember to be patient – it takes time to build strong, supportive relationships. Keep in mind the value of every interaction, and allow relationships characterized by belonging to develop over time.

Be curious!

Ask your colleagues thoughtful questions, and really listen with the goal of understanding them better. Ask them what they thought about that show they mentioned they were going to, how their big project is going, or try one of the questions in the next section. By intentionally taking interest in people’s lives, you can create space for them to authentically share about their experiences and interests. You’ll learn a lot, too.

Questions to build belonging

Ask questions like these to help team members share about their experiences authentically, talk about what matters to them, and convey to them that you’re there to support them.

• What do your days look like these days? Is there a part you look forward to the most?
• What helps you feel supported that I can do more of?
• What’s something you could give a talk on without needing to prepare?
• Do you have any boundaries you’ve set up for your work time, so I can support you in honoring them?
• What’s been top of mind for you this week?

Cultivate a culture of belonging at your workplace

Creating a workplace where every individual feels a sense of belonging isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential. By implementing strategies that foster inclusivity, support, and genuine connection, you not only boost the wellbeing of your team members, but also develop a work environment where they want to stay.

You can incorporate opportunities to build belonging into your work days with Scribl, our digital game. Using creativity and carefully crafted prompts, Scribl is designed to help your team members get to know each other in meaningful ways. It promotes a sense of community and understanding, gives your team a shared experience, and it only takes a few minutes to play. We should mention – it’s also a lot of fun!

Book a demo today to play a round with us, and discover how Scribl can help improve wellbeing and strengthen connections on your team.