Leaders often preach about the importance of building a healthy company culture.
Understandably, companies have historically mainly been primarily in building cultures that define and promote their corporation’s values, norms, and beliefs. But while workplace culture is important, it does not ensure that the diverse needs of its members are taken into account. Instead, the typical purpose of establishing a specific corporate culture is to increase fiscal outcomes and grow the organization.
Instead of trying to intentionally architect a particular corporate culture, I believe leaders should focus on building a sense of community. Building a community takes a much broader, long-term perspective, looking to ensure that its members feel safe, have a sense of belonging, and have the opportunity to develop deeper connections with the people they spend so much of their lives with.
“Community organizing and community building frameworks are some of the most effective strategies for improving and fortifying the ways people work together,” says Lauren Buckley, cofounder of The Hush Collaborative, an organizational strategy consultancy. “However, they aren’t widely applied in corporate settings.”
According to a survey by BetterUp, 69% of employees are unsatisfied with their connections at work and 43% don’t feel a sense of connection. And according to Gallup’s 2024 Global Workplace Report, one in five employees worldwide say that they felt lonely the previous day. In my work, I explore how to combat employee loneliness while building community at work.
And while some in higher management don’t feel the need to make meaningful connections at work, research suggests they’re incorrect. “If the mandate for leaders across the board is to be data-driven, we are ignoring a very large data set that proves focusing on initiatives that improve employee experience drive and often exceed both top and bottom-line growth goals,” explains Buckley.
Here are five ways in which building a strong workplace community benefits an organization overall.
Building a sense of community within organizations helps build connections between workers. Shared experiences, getting to know one another, and discussing shared values as well as differences solidifies a sense of togetherness. This results in more collaboration, less time spent navigating conflict, and a greater sense of purpose. Community creates a broader, more solid framework for developing a cohesive workplace than culture, which is focused around the outside benefits that organizational success can provide.
Community Boosts Mental Health and Wellness
Researchers have determined that mental health and wellness are largely dependent upon having a strong sense of community and support system that comes with it. A feeling of being safe, accepted, and connected to each other relieves stress and feelings of insecurity that are caused by not having a sense of belonging and feeling isolated and alone. Community also increases the chances that employees will feel that they will be accepted and receive help if they reach out.
Organizations are continuously looking for ways to retain their top employees. Feelings of connection amongst employees helps them understand they are an integral part of an organization. Such people are more likely to remain within an organization, even if there are benefits to finding another job elsewhere. The sense of belonging and being part of something greater than ourselves is a strong human need. Building a strong community gives workers that sense of being part of a larger team.
One of the major struggles that organizations face is keeping good people. This becomes even more crucial when there is a competitive job market. It is during these times that the efforts that are needed to build a strong community really pay off. When staff experience a sense of community, feel safe and appreciated, they stay longer in the organization. A strong sense of community creates emotional bonds that are difficult to recreate, and may not exist elsewhere, causing people to want to stay where they are.
Community Builds Strength in Diversity and Inclusion
Many organizations state their willingness to diversify their workforce and reap the benefits of a diverse team of people. Having a strong culture that is known for welcoming people from various groups in society acts as a strong incentive for talented people from those groups to work there. Knowing that an organization has a welcoming and supportive atmosphere will draw more diversity and talent into any organization. This creates a win, win for both the health of the organization and the individuals working in it.
“The difference between culture and community may feel nuanced, but I assure you, it is not. Culture affects change. Community drives it,” says Buckley. “As leaders, we can build strategic plans, workflows, and experiences that build real community. Ones that are fulfilling, collaborative, self-regulating, and capable of consistently exceeding financial goals.”
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