Did you know, according to the EY Belonging Barometer, 40 percent of employees surveyed reported feeling isolated at work? And, since we spend around one third of our lives at work, it makes sense people want a sense of belonging. A study from the Center for Talent innovation found that employees who feel they belong are 3.5 times more likely to be productive, motivated and engaged.
When I first moved to Reno, NV years ago I attended several networking events, eager to know the business community and find ways to fit in. One woman came up to me and invited me to lunch. It meant everything at the time since I knew no one, and we became good friends over the ensuing years.
A sense of belonging, a need to fit in or even be recognized is enormous, and when you can, take the time—whether it’s business or personal—to invite someone to lunch, coffee or to sit with you at a meeting. Engaging people starts with helping them feel they are part of something, and the amount of time it takes for this connection is a deposit well worth the effort.
