BLOGBy Kristen Flowers Sankofa, a Twi word from the Akan Tribe of Ghana, teaches us to look to the past to fetch what has been forgotten. This concept encourages us to learn from our ancestor's and indigenous peoples' challenges and triumphs. Looking back at past traditions and cultures, we gain insight into what our ancestors knew on a seemingly intrinsic level: that we are all connected. It is the belief in our connectedness that creates the foundation for belonging. African indigenous ways of knowing tell us that we are all pieces of a whole that must create spaces of balance and harmony so that we can all flourish. Workplace culture could undoubtedly benefit from implementing systems grounded in the understanding that we are connected. According to recent APA studies, 40% of employees feel isolated, and 25% feel they don't belong at their workplace despite all the money spent on company pizza parties. We live in such an individualistic society that cultivating spaces where everyone feels like they belong seems utopian. Except it's not idealistic. It's an essential key to the long-term success of any organization. In organizations where people don't feel seen, heard, valued, or appreciated, you will see high turnover, low engagement, and burnout. No wonder remote work is highly desired! When people feel a sense of belonging, they feel empowered to show up as their authentic selves and bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. This is where creativity and collaboration give birth to innovation. Organizations can gain tangible benefits such as increased productivity, employee engagement, and a culture of creativity and ingenuity. Amazing things can transpire when we feel safe, connected, and acknowledged. New and transformative levels of awareness can happen when we listen to others intending to understand from their perspective. A new way of seeing things can emerge when we put ourselves in another's shoes. Even holding differences and accepting opposing views from others can lead to incredible insights and new ways of thinking. Drawing from African indigenous wisdom, the notion of belonging takes on more profound significance. Indigenous teachings emphasize that interconnectedness is rooted in the belief that we are all one. This is not to diminish our uniqueness or give credence to color blindness. It is the understanding that what affects one affects all. Through this lens, fostering empathy, harmony, and balance is essential for collective flourishing. DEI initiatives, in theory, help create a harmoniously diverse work environment. However, many organizations are too focused on the perception of diversity rather than inclusivity. Why is it so hard to create spaces where everyone feels like they can show up as their authentic self and be heard and seen? For one thing, the workplace is curated purely for profit. When output and revenue are the main drivers, it's more of a breeding ground for competitiveness and burnout. Then there is the unstable job market with the ever-looming threats of layoffs, making it difficult for anyone to conjure up the feeling of belonging. The workplace is here to stay, but it doesn't mean we can't reimagine it in a way that allows everyone to thrive. Creating spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging doesn't have to be contrived, forced, or theatrical. Just ask yourself, what makes you feel a sense of belonging? What was the environment like? How did people engage with you? Did you feel heard? Did you feel encouraged to share your ideas? Answer these questions, and consider how you can recreate this for others. The definition is subjective, and everyone has a different idea of what they need to feel like they belong. Sometimes, it's as simple as active listening, encouraging someone to share their ideas, asking thoughtful questions, and not assuming. While these actions seem small, they make a big difference when you create a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Take it even further and see if you can ingrain practices of fostering belonging in your organization's policies and procedures. Recognizing the value of belonging isn't just trendy jargon. Once implemented and strived for, it can lead to a transformative workplace. By creating environments where all individuals are welcomed and embraced for who they are, organizations can unlock the full potential of their diverse workforce. So, the next time you are on-site, think about how you can actively contribute to cultivating a sense of belonging for all at your workplace. At Lion Heart Recruit, we engrain values and principles of belonging in our recruitment process. From the way we source candidates and conduct interviews to how we advocate for both the client and candidates using a heart-centered approach, we do our best to make everyone we work with feel heard, accepted, and valued. Whenever you're in need of mission-aligned candidates to join you, consider LHR for your direct-hire needs.
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