The Power of Belonging at Work

At some point, we’ve all heard the words diversity and inclusion at work. And there’s a good chance they were discussed together and maybe even framed as a “diversity and inclusion initiative.”

Does that sound familiar?

While these words are associated, it’s essential to understand they’re both distinct and meaningful.

Diversity is the presence and recognition of difference. While inclusion is accepting differences, acknowledging people, making them feel welcome and valued, and allowing them to be their authentic selves. When you have diversity and inclusion, you begin to foster belonging. And belonging is much more than an initiative; it’s a culture.

The Hiring Manager Curriculum in Partner Learning Camp provides tangible resources and strategies to become a champion of belonging in your organization.

This interactive learning series includes courses like “Introduction to Diversity and Inclusion,” “Building a Strong Foundation,” and “Creating a Learning Culture” that prepares hiring managers and HR professionals in the Salesforce ecosystem to focus on the impact of diversity and inclusion on employee engagement, happiness, and success.

According to researcher and storyteller Dr. Brene Brown, “Belonging is the innate human desire to be part of something larger than us. Because this yearning is so primal, we often try to acquire it by fitting in and by seeking approval, which are not only hollow substitutes for belonging but often barriers to it. Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world.”

We’ve all experienced this innate desire to fit in and probably even changed a part of ourselves to do so. But in reality, that’s not belonging. True belonging means entering a room without having to check any part of yourself at the door.

Why is creating a culture of belonging so crucial at work?

Think about it. The average person spends one-third of their life at work. Isn’t that a place where you want to feel accepted? A 2019 study by BetterUp study discovered belonging is not only socially responsible but also fiscally responsible. The study found workplace belonging leads to an estimated 56% increase in job performance, a 50% reduction in turnover risk, and a 75% decrease in employee sick days.
 

So, where do you begin building belonging on your team? It all starts with learning.

Build your culture of belonging by enrolling in the Hiring Manager Curriculum on PLC!