THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Unlocking Belonging in the Workplace
Harness the power of belonging to thrive together and drive success in any environment.
What is it?
Belonging is a feeling that drives connection. The need for belonging has transcended history and, as individuals spend a large amount of their time at work, workplaces have a vital responsibility to foster belonging.
Why does it matter?
- Belonging emerges as a central driver of performance and resilience, enabling teams and organizations to thrive through adversity, complexity, and uncertainty. Thriving is not just about performance, it encompasses purpose, connection, and the wellbeing of the individuals who drive collective success.
- An organizational culture that prioritizes belonging has the power to drive connection between individuals and their roles, relationships at work, and the organization. It acts as a beacon, guiding talent to contribute and thrive.
- Many HR organizations and leaders already shape workplace belonging by fostering an inclusive environment. Inclusive behaviors and respectful interactions create conditions for everyone to feel valued and empowered, mitigating the negative impacts of exclusion, protecting workforce productivity, engagement, wellbeing, and sustaining the desired organizational culture.
About McLean & Company
McLean & Company is an HR research and advisory firm providing practical solutions to human resources challenges via executable research, tools, diagnostics, and advisory services that have a clear and measurable impact on your business.
What Is a Blueprint?
A blueprint is designed to be a roadmap, containing a methodology and the tools and templates you need to solve your HR problems.
Each blueprint can be accompanied by a Guided Implementation that provides you access to our world-class analysts to help you get through the project.
Contributors
- Kelly-Ann Allen, Associate Professor and Educational and Development Psychologist, Monash University
- Sheena Demery, Senior Manager, DEI&O, FedEx
- Tiffani Kenney, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, County in Maryland
- Fasika Melaku, Chief of Staff and Chief Learning Officer, Denny’s
- René Ramirez, Chief Executive Officer, HomeFirst
- Regina Ross, Executive Vice President, Chief People and Operations Officer, Opportunity Finance Network
- Sendy Stern, Senior Vice President Talent and Technology, Fabuwood Cabinetry
- Heather Stuart, Professor and Bell Canada Mental Health and Anti-Stigma Research Chair
- Sharilyn Vandermolen, Principal and Founder, HRCollab
- One anonymous contributor
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Demystifying Emotions in the Workplace