Hybrid working: how to promote belonging

The world of work has changed. With many charities introducing hybrid working models – a combination of working from home and in the office – it’s more important than ever that staff feel included and part of their workplace.

But what exactly does “workplace belonging” mean? Culture Amp describes it as the “feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group or place”.

It’s human nature to want to be included and part of something. And this is just as important in the workplace as it is in other aspects of our lives.

Why workplace belonging is important

It’s 17 months since the UK first locked down in March 2020. And, in that time, most of us have worked from home. With contact with colleagues restricted to video calls, it’s inevitable that some people will feel disconnected from their workplace.

Talk Freely says a lack of workplace belonging can affect motivation, morale, and wellbeing, and cause high staff turnover. On the flip side, Culture App says that “people who feel they belong perform better, become more willing to challenge themselves, and are more resilient”.

Research shows that belonging is closely linked to engagement. When people are engaged, they feel more motivated and committed to a cause. This is good for both charities and staff: it helps organisations to deliver their charitable activities and it’s good for people’s wellbeing.

Here are some ways to make sure hybrid working environments create a sense of belonging for staff:

Keep people updated

Strong communication is key. Keep people updated with news from across the charity, from team activities to decisions being made by the senior management team. When people are informed and know what is going on, it makes them feel more motivated and engaged.

Show them the bigger picture

It’s important that staff understand the strategy and direction of the organisation. When you feel part of the bigger picture and understand how your role fits into the charity’s wider goals, you’re more productive.

Make people feel valued

Create a working environment where everyone feels able to speak openly in meetings and can share their views. This will make people feel valued and show them that they can be involved in decision making. For example, if you’re reviewing your charity’s values, mission, and vision, get staff from across the charity to feed into this work.

But it’s not just about senior managers valuing staff. Everyone across the organisation must practice this. Gartner says “encourage employees to value others by caring for one another, advocating for everyone’s voices to be heard, and investing in their colleagues’ growth and development.”