There has been a growing push for inclusion and diversity initiatives in professional spaces in recent years. Factors such as social & political unrest, evolving workplace dynamics especially since the onset of the pandemic, and various racial justice movements have compelled leaders across organisations to reassess their core values.

Authored by Natalie Hailey, People Services Director, and Omkar Patwardhan, Content Marketing Manager. 

While some introduced new diversity training programmes, others looked to create space for uncomfortable conversations around diversity, inclusivity, equality, equity and belonging. Many are also looking to revamp their hiring practices, with a new commitment towards diversity-focused hiring goals or deploying new measures for sourcing diverse talent.

While several organisations in the UK have expanded their diversity and inclusion efforts, new research revealed that progress on socio-economic status, gender parity, and sexual orientation has stalled. Likewise, another research report revealed that at least 20% of the people working in UK organisations do not feel a sense of belonging at work.

To foster and maintain a truly inclusive culture where people feel they belong, organisational leaders must know how to completely include the mindsets of those who will lead towards a diverse, equitable, and healthy workplace culture.

So what does belonging mean in the workplace?

We asked our People Services Director Natalie Hailey what belonging is – “Belonging goes beyond diversity, inclusion, equity and equality and refers to an individual’s sense of acceptance, connection, and purpose within a particular group. Belonging is feeling valued, accepted, and supported – which can lead to higher engagement, productivity, and overall well-being.”

Organisations need to develop a culture where people have the freedom to be themselves, feel appreciated and valued, while feeling that they are working toward something greater, together. Studies have shown that those that obtain a sense of belonging at work tend to reach their potential 3.5 times faster, and this goes far beyond a mere procedure, policy or internal marketing.

Apart from organisations themselves, people in workplaces also have a critical role to play in developing an inclusive working environment where diverse point of views are acknowledged and celebrated. This involves both leaders and their people working together to shift their mindsets and embrace change for it to truly stick.

What does Belonging mean to us at CAE?

Why belonging is important to employees?

Belonging in professional environments matters since it significantly impacts the performance of the business and employee well-being. It is an essential element for bringing out the best of everyone.

People tend to feel insecure about their place in the workplace if they fail to experience a sense of belonging. This also makes them feel less free to be their authentic selves and its that insecurity or fear that eventually undermines their creativity, performance, and willingness to collaborate.

Common sense shows that people will leave a place if they don’t feel they belong, and this is exactly the point that many organisations are missing out. In fact, a study showed that a sense of belonging is among the top three most important reasons for people leaving their jobs.

To avoid unintentionally isolating people, organisations may want to consider taking a holistic approach to D&I that goes beyond mere representation. This includes addressing biases, fostering inclusivity in all aspects of the workplace, promoting diverse leadership, as well as providing equal opportunities for growth and development by actively involving people, regardless of their backgrounds, in decision making processes.

At CAE, our culture-driven purpose is who we are; it is part of our identity and it is fundamentally what makes us unique.

Tap here to know more about our culture.

What is an example of belonging in workplace?

Here’s Natalie illustrating the concept of belonging –  

Have you ever been in a meeting and wondered why? Felt like you wasted valuable time, that you just can’t get back. Or that no one is making decisions or bringing anything to the discussion, the room has defaulted to only valuing one opinion (often the most senior person’s). 

Or, have you ever heard of, or been impacted by a meeting that you weren’t aware of? Or attended a meeting, only to be excluded from the post meeting. The same applies for email culture – do you have a CC or even worse BCC email culture? Its these examples that prevent empowerment, accountability and ultimately a sense of belonging. 

Anyone that can add value to the discussion is welcome at the table. It’s all about the right person, at the right table, at the right time. When each person across the organisation believe that they are not just occupying a seat but have their presence valued is what belonging is all about! They feel a sense of security and acceptance, knowing that they are a respected and appreciated part of the team.” 

A “one-size-fits all” approach to managing people does not achieve equality and fairness of opportunity and outcome for everyone. People have different values, beliefs, and needs and it is important to consistently deploy good and evolving people management practices for a fair, flexible, and inclusive environment that supports both individual and organisational needs.

We at CAE believe belonging allows us to unbiasedly focus on diversity as well as equality, which is crucial for creating equal and fair opportunities for everyone. By implementing fair, consistent, and transparent policies, we work together in removing bias and encouraging a diverse and inclusive environment.

It is important to note that within this part of an organisation, there should be no competition – only partnership. This helps attract and retain top talent from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, which can lead to better problem-solving and decision-making processes.

To find out more about how to start taking these conversations forward within your business -