Kennedy, J.T. & Jain-Link, P. (2021). What Does it Take to Build a Culture of Belonging? Harvard Business Review.
This article emphasizes the need to support and celebrate all employees to build community and equality in the workplace without resentment. As support grows for creating a sense of belonging in the workplace for members of non-dominant groups, leaders must “create a culture where every employee, regardless of their background, feels that they belong,” (Kennedy & Jain-Link, 2021). Creating an “us” versus “them” environment that focuses on one or two groups will only foster division and reinforce a lack of trust among employees.
Cultivating a culture of belonging should celebrate inclusion and avoid practices that exercise exclusion. For example, I’ve started questioning the practice of installing Christmas decorations in workplaces and educational spaces. How many employees might feel left out? How does that foster a sense of belonging when some employees are outside looking in? Would a better solution include celebrating the values of the season versus the religious connotation that goes along with it?
Leaders must practice empathy to see the world through their employees’ eyes.
L2: Demonstrate the ability to assess complex organizational environments and achieve communicative goals.
L4: Apply communication-centered scholarship to strengthen communication effectiveness.
D1: Iteratively develop inter-professional leadership competencies.
D2: Utilize communication to embrace complexity and difference.
Keywords: belonging, community, equality, inclusion, culture, and environment
