The Crucial Role of Connection and Belonging in Organisations

Suzanne Mulholland is Director of People Culture and Organisational Strategy at Mantra Strategy, The Impact Creation Consultancy.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of work has transformed significantly, with remote and flexible working becoming the new norm. While this shift has brought about greater flexibility and autonomy, it has also underscored the importance of connection and belonging in the workplace. Recent UK research sheds light on this, revealing that 84% of on-site workers feel a strong connection to their colleagues, whereas only 44% of homeworkers report the same level of connection (Source: Wellbeing Trends 2024, Westfield Health).

In the era of post-COVID agile working patterns, the ability to establish and maintain genuine connections within the workplace has become increasingly important. Both employers and employees share the responsibility of fostering these connections, and true leaders are those who recognise and address any challenges hindering this connection. Understanding the impact of connection not only on performance but also on overall employee wellbeing is crucial for creating a thriving work environment.

However, the transition to flexible working has presented its own set of challenges. A significant number (37%) of Irish workers, for instance, have reported feelings of loneliness and difficulty in building relationships with colleagues (Source: Microsoft Worktrend Index 2022). This sentiment is particularly pronounced among younger and early-career individuals, who recognise the link between lack of contact time with colleagues and mental health issues at work.

Central to addressing these challenges is the recognition of the strong, albeit often overlooked, link between wellbeing at work and a sense of belonging within the organisation. Truly inclusive leaders understand this connection and prioritise initiatives that promote both wellbeing and belonging, thereby fostering a culture where both individuals and the organisation can thrive.

So, how can workplaces cultivate better connections and a sense of belonging among their employees?

Articulating a shared purpose and values - one of the most effective ways to foster a sense of belonging is by clearly articulating and embedding shared purpose and values within the organisation. This involves helping each team member understand their individual role and contribution towards the larger organisational goals. Onboarding processes (or the initial phase of training and set up) play a crucial role in this regard, ensuring that new hires not only grasp the company's values but also understand how these values translate into everyday actions and behaviours at work.  Whether through a centralised project to engage people in the values and culture, or by embedding it through discussion of impact, purpose and mission in meetings and communications, establishing this shared purpose is a critical driver of wellbeing and connection.

Supporting community building and leading with values and trust - managers play a pivotal role in creating a sense of community within their teams. Providing leadership training that emphasises values-based leadership is essential, especially for those "accidental managers" who may lack formal training in leadership skills. Encouraging vulnerability in leadership fosters authentic connections and trust among team members, laying the foundation for a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Creating opportunities for building connections - organisations can create a range of formal and informal opportunities for building connections among employees. This includes implementing buddy systems, peer support programs, regular check-ins, a virtual kitchen and social events such as coffee mornings and lunch and learn sessions. Both virtual and in-person activities can help bridge the gap between remote and on-site workers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging. The virtual kitchen in Mantra may not always be in use, but knowing it is there if you want to connect with your colleagues is a supportive net.

In conclusion, as workplaces continue to evolve, prioritising connection and belonging is essential for fostering a positive and supportive work culture. This couldn’t be more vital than now, when a vast majority of those we engage with at all levels of organisations are reporting feeling stretched, pinched or under-resourced.  By investing in initiatives that promote wellbeing and inclusivity, you can create environments where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Sources: CIPD, Forbes, Westfield Health, Microsoft Trends