Belonging

We define corporate belonging as "the intersection of feeling safe and secure as the result of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace." When employees feel a strong sense of belonging, they experience higher levels of engagement, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Research consistently demonstrates the importance of workplace belonging, highlighting its impact on employee performance and organizational success.

McKinsey & Company recently published a study in which they found a staggering 51% of individuals left their job in the previous 6 months because they lacked a sense of belonging in their workplace. BetterUp's recent study shows workplace belonging leads to a 56% increase in job performance, a 50% reduction in turnover risk, and a 75% decrease in employee sick days. For a 10,000-person organization, this would result in estimated annual savings of more than $52 million.

A few top-level ways to foster belonging:

- Ensure employee identities are represented throughout the company and in marketing

- Understand and value your employees unique identity and culture

- Encourage autonomy and collaboration

Corporate autonomy refers to employees exercising independence and decision-making authority within their roles. Research has consistently shown that autonomy plays a pivotal role in driving employee engagement, job satisfaction, and overall organizational success by  fostering a culture of trust, innovation, and productivity.

Studies conducted by Deci and Ryan (1985) emphasize that individuals have an innate need for autonomy and self-determination. By granting employees the freedom to make choices and contribute their unique perspectives, organizations tap into their full potential. According to a survey by Harvard Business Review, companies that prioritize employee autonomy experience a significant increase in both creativity and motivation among their workforce.

Autonomy leads to a sense of ownership and accountability, as employees feel more responsible for the outcomes of their work. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that autonomous employees are more likely to demonstrate higher levels of job performance and exhibit proactive behavior, resulting in greater efficiency and effectiveness.

A few top-level ways to foster autonomy:

- Encourage workplace equity through standardized policies and procedures

- Respect your employee's privacy 

- Discourage micromanagement

Employee collaboration facilitates the exchange of ideas, knowledge sharing, and synergy among team members. It encourages open communication, breaks down silos, and fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. When employees collaborate, they leverage each other's strengths, overcome challenges more effectively, and achieve outcomes that surpass individual efforts.

Stanford University's study on collaboration found that employees who collaborated with others worked longer on difficult tasks, were more interested in the task and required less self-regulatory effort, performed better, and later chose to do similar tasks. Additionally, a Salesforce study states 86% of executives identify ineffective collaboration as the main driver of business failure. 

A few top-level ways to foster collaboration:

- Create opportunities for your employees to leverage their unique skills and abilities

- Standardize efficient and clear communication

- Encourage employee contribution to decision-making that impacts them