Do You Belong or are you Just Included?
Have you ever been included in a workplace group or meeting but you do not feel that you truly belong? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. Oftentimes, the belonging piece is overlooked. Inclusion is only part of the equation. To achieve “belonging,” an individual must feel that they can bring their true self to the table, express ideas, and be respected and valued for expressing those ideas.
Inclusion
Inclusion is not where the effort ends. Inclusion is an action - the action of being invited to something – a meeting or an event. As Vernā Myers, a diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging expert has stated, “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” Diversity is Being Invited to the Party: Inclusion is Being Asked to Dance - YouTube. When an employee is included in a meeting or event, they have been invited to join others (i.e., they have been asked to dance.) It is the actual act of inviting that individual or including that individual to participate in the meeting or the event. It is important to understand that one can be invited to or included in a meeting, but that does not mean that a sense of belonging is automatically present.
Belonging
As stated in a Peter Barron Blog Post in August of 2022 , “belonging is a feeling that employees get in the workplace…” Belonging vs. Inclusion: What's the difference, and why is it important? - Peter Barron Stark Companies (peterstark.com). Belonging is a sense of comfort; a feeling that one can sit at the table, be true and authentic, and really “feel” that their ideas are heard…AND valued. Again, the feeling of belonging is not only bringing one’s true, authentic self to the table, but feeling that the information offered is valued, is essential.
We must remember that being included is not all that is needed for employees to thrive in an organization. For employees to thrive, there must be a feeling of inclusion and belonging.
If you are interested in assessing your organizational culture or providing training to your workforce in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, contact IntegriStar for more information.
