Have you lost a sense of belonging from your company?
We are hearing this more and more…less time in the office gives us less opportunity to ‘live and breathe’ company culture and less time to connect physically too.
Leaders need to be really intentional about helping employees connect, and at the same time, individuals need to be proactive and take the initiative themselves.
To help think about how to find that state of belonging again, here are five useful questions to ask yourself:-
1. Am I engaging in company-wide meetings? Finding out what’s going on across the wider organisation is really helpful in making you feel part of something, so make sure you turn up and keep yourself updated.
2. How inclusive are our team meetings? Make sure everyone contributes and plays a part in team meetings. Try rotating the meeting chair and discuss non work related subjects.
3. Am I connecting with people at work outside of my core team?Find ways of reinstating those informal over the desk/kettle chats on the days you’re in the office and make the effort to schedule virtual catch ups and coffees too. It can also help to get involved in any cross-departmental projects you can.
4. Do I get involved in any ‘extra-curricular’ work activities? Being part of a running club, D&I group or even the Christmas party committee can help you reconnect socially around the business.
5. What can I share with others that is valuable? We often don’t utilise our own strengths to help others develop at work. Think about a skill you are particularly good at and set up a ‘lunch and learn’ workshop – get others around the business to reciprocate.
What are you doing that is helping you get that sense of belonging back again?