Good employees may leave a job for various reasons, including better pay, flexibility and a more defined career path. However, many employees also leave when they feel like they do not belong, according to Inc.
Belonging is a crucial part of employee happiness. A study from the Society for Human Resource Management found 61% of employees dissatisfied with their sense of belonging had seriously considered quitting during the previous year; that number was 18% for employees satisfied with their sense of belonging.
Inc. shares the following ways to build a workplace where people belong.
- Help employees find meaning in their work. Workers may not automatically understand the effects of their contributions. Show them why their work matters by connecting their daily responsibilities to the people they serve and the goals of the organization.
- Recognize people for their contributions. Employees want to know their efforts are noticed. Be sure to consistently recognize people by praising what they did well and explaining why it made a difference.
- Create opportunities to grow. Employees become more engaged when they are given meaningful challenges and opportunities to develop their skills.
- Build a culture of respect. Create a place where employees treat each other with respect, even when they disagree. Everyone should feel comfortable sharing ideas and believe they are being heard. Be sure to address disrespectful behavior.
- Strengthen relationships between managers and employees. Managers should prioritize meeting one on one with employees regularly. Learn about what employees need, challenges they are facing and how you can provide support.
