Inclusion Is Good, Belonging is Better

Why Belonging Matters More Than Inclusion for Thriving Organizations and Communities 

Belonging and inclusion are often discussed together in workplace culture and community development, but they have distinct impacts. While *inclusion* welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, *belonging* ensures they feel integral to the organization or community itself. Inclusion allows people to participate, but belonging enables them to thrive, fostering a deeper sense of connection and shared purpose 

Defining Inclusion and Belonging

Inclusion is the practice of actively welcoming diverse individuals and ensuring their voices are valued. It removes barriers to participation, ensuring fairness and respect. 

Belonging, however, goes beyond participation. Belonging is the deep-seated feeling that one’s presence is meaningful to the community or organization—where individuals know they matter, can bring their authentic selves, and feel integral to the collective purpose.

Why Belonging Outpaces Inclusion

While inclusion offers opportunities, belonging drives transformation. Research from BetterUp found that employees who experience belonging report a 56% boost in job performance and are 50% less likely to leave the organization. Inclusion can reduce alienation, but belonging nurtures loyalty and engagement, both critical to the long-term health of communities and organizations.

Does Belonging Drive Employee Engagement?

Belonging significantly boosts engagement and morale, enabling individuals to contribute authentically. Employees and community members who feel they belong are more invested in group success. A Harvard Business Review study found that individuals with a strong sense of belonging are 75% less likely to take sick days, demonstrating the mental and physical benefits that drive long-term engagement.

Can Belonging Spur Creativity?

Absolutely. Belongingness fosters *psychological safety*, a key component of creativity and innovation identified by Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson. When people feel safe to share ideas without fear of rejection, they innovate freely. Google’s Project Aristotle reinforced this, finding that high-performing teams foster environments where team members feel secure in taking risks—paving the way for greater creativity and problem-solving.

The Value of Belonging in Strengthening Collaboration

Research shows that belonging promotes trust and collaboration. A Deloitte study revealed that a strong sense of belonging can enhance team performance by 30%. When communities and teams are founded on mutual respect and safety, communication flourishes, silos dissolve, and teamwork becomes more productive and sustainable.

Fostering Belonging Among New and Young Talent

For organizations and communities alike, belonging is essential for integrating new members. Younger generations are especially motivated by a sense of purpose and connection. By fostering a culture of belonging, organizations and communities can better attract and retain younger talent, encouraging them to take initiative and invest in long-term goals.

Optimizing Resources Through Belonging

In communities and organizations facing resource limitations, belonging enables efficient use of available assets. When individuals feel their contributions are valued, they need less oversight, leading to greater autonomy and effective collaboration. Research suggests that organizations with strong belonging cultures can accomplish more with fewer resources, which is essential for both non-profit organizations and tight-knit communities working within budget constraints.

Organizations as Communities: Why Belonging Benefits Both

Organizations are essentially communities with formal structures and objectives, and the importance of belonging applies equally to both settings. Just as community members thrive in environments where they feel valued, employees excel in workplaces that offer them genuine connection. Building belonging in workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods, and families enhances collaboration, strengthens resilience, and inspires creativity while supporting community member health and well-being.

How to Foster Belonging in Your Organization or Community

1. Open Dialogue: Create inclusive forums where all voices are respected and valued. 

2. Shared Goals: Establish common missions that align individual goals with the collective purpose. 

3. Recognition and Celebration: Regularly celebrate individual and group contributions to build pride and camaraderie. 

4. Supportive Leadership: Lead by example with transparency and openness, showing genuine commitment to belonging.

Conclusion: Belonging is the Key to Thriving Communities and Organizations

While inclusion addresses the who of participation, belonging defines the how and why. When people feel they belong, they engage fully, innovate boldly, and commit deeply. Organizations and communities that prioritize belonging not only thrive but create spaces where everyone has a stake in success. By embracing belonging as a central value, leaders can build cultures that inspire, empower, and sustain.