INT 082: How To Create A Sense Of Belonging In The Workspace

We work and grow alongside our coworkers for much of our lives. But how can we maximize that growth by inspiring a sense of community, inclusivity, and belonging in the workplace? In today’s episode of IntHerrupt, Linda is joined by FirstLantic Healthcare’s Director of Marketing, Karen Gross, to learn how we can foster a better work environment. 

Everyone feels like they don’t “belong” in their workplace at some point.

• Karen faced low pay, long hours, and high expectations during her time at an advertising agency. While she enjoyed the industry, she knew she wanted more. 
• If you don’t feel that necessary sense of belonging, it likely isn’t because of you; it’s because of the environment. 
• A workplace culture that embraces people is essential to having employees stay, thrive, and grow.

Belonging inspires passion for work:

• If someone is struggling to find passion for their work, it’s likely due to these negative feelings. 
• If you are struggling, consult with management or leadership; leadership is there to listen.

Creating a sense of belonging:

• Her company has ‘21 fundamentals’ that embrace their values, and new hires are exposed to them from the beginning.
• Those values are implemented through training sessions. However, belonging can also be as easy as talking to your staff and coworkers as people to inspire a feeling of belonging.

A key thing leaders can do is communication.

To communicate how their role impacts the organization’s vision and how it is valued in their everyday work.

Everyone matters. There is not one person in her organization that isn’t important to their fundamental work. Everyone is important.

A sense of belonging is feeling valued and accepted 

Part of your group and feeling like you have a voice and feeling like you belong. When that’s not present, passion can be difficult to manifest.

DEI is an opportunity to revive a workplace culture.

Someone listen is likely thinking ‘we don’t have the culture.’ What can they do for themselves to impact their workplace culture.

Even if the culture isn’t there, you still have a voice. You should feel confident expressing those emotions and feelings. If you can’t express those, you’re just kinda doomed. You’ll feel miserable! 

You might think noone wants to hear from you. But you can be shocked what will happen when you speak up and share ideas.

A Gallup study found that Engagement is one of the largest indicators of passion. Many people are actively disengaged from their work. 

How do you keep you and your team engaged in the work?

It comes down to being curious. When she’s looking to do something different, she’s given the mandate to determine something new. Curiosity and tapping into other people and engaging in conversations with people and sharing ideas is critical. 

If it’s a good idea, it’s a good idea. Don’t be afraid to find new ways to do things.

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn for more great content and information. Do you have stories to tell? Connect with Linda to share them. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.