1st Edition
A Sense of Belonging at Work A Guide to Improving Well-being and Performance
A sense of not belonging, that we are not accepted or valued at work can be enormously detrimental to our psychological well-being and sense of self, and can impact engagement, motivation and performance.
Based on extensive research, this accessible and practical book helps leaders understand the implications of belonging on our well-being and performance and equips them with the insight and tools to ensure their employees have a sense of belonging at work, through:
- establishing connections and developing meaningful relationships,
- identifying and leveraging values and strengths,
- developing their awareness of diversity and unconscious bias,
- fostering a psychologically safe environment in which all can speak up,
- developing an inclusive leadership mindset and
- challenging negative thinking patterns.
The strategies and tips provided will allow readers to ensure they too have a strong sense of belonging at work.
This book is designed for leaders in organisations who are responsible for the performance and well-being of their teams and for anyone who has experienced a sense of not belonging and wants to understand how to develop a sense of belonging now and in the future. It will also be of value to HR professionals and coaches, who are seeking to develop positive, inclusive workplaces.
Introduction
Part One: What it means to belong
Chapter One: Belonging – a Fundamental Human Need
Chapter Two: Factors which Undermine Belonging in the Workplace
Chapter Three: Belonging and Well-being
Chapter Four: Belonging and Performance – The Trap of not Belonging
Part Two: Establishing a Sense of Belonging
Chapter Five: Developing Quality Relationships
Chapter Six: Establishing and Adding our Value
Chapter Seven: Diversity and Belonging
Chapter Eight: Fostering Psychological Safety
Chapter Nine: Being an Inclusive Leader
Chapter Ten: Reframing a Sense of Belonging
Conclusion: The journey of belonging
Biography
Lee Waller is Professor of Occupational Psychology at Hult International Business School, UK, and has worked in leadership development for over seventeen years, supporting leaders to be the best of themselves at work by understanding their strengths and developing their leadership skills. Formerly Director of Research at Hult International Business School, Lee is an extensive researcher and writer in the areas of belonging, diversity and inclusion.
"Lee’s insight on belonging, developed through her years of research and personal experience, provides an incredibly valuable and timely contribution. It responds to pressing questions we face regarding how we can flourish – and how we can enable others to – at work."
- Megan Reitz, Professor of Leadership and Dialogue, Hult International Business School / Author of ‘Speak Up’, ‘Mind Time’ and ‘Dialogue in Organizations’
