Sense of Belonging: The Guiding Compass for Modern Organizations

Article
Contributed by
Alessia Peyrot and Gloria Colorizio, PRAXI Human Resources
Date of publication
December 4, 2024
  • People & Culture
  • Employer Branding
  • Article
  • Opzionale

A sense of belonging is an important component of people’s well-being and the success of organizations, especially today when we live in an environment of constant change and increasing instability. Feeling part of a community, of a shared project, not only increases individual motivation, but also contributes to a strong and collaborative work environment, making the company the place where people want to stay and grow.

Professional social media champion this need. Through sharing, they turn people into genuine corporate ambassadors, strengthening internal ties and fostering more open communication and a work culture based on trust and collaboration.

From sharing to a sense of belonging

In companies, when people exchange ideas, resources and knowledge, a communication network is built that goes beyond simple work interactions, generating a genuine sense of community.

However, the focus is often on mistakes to avoid or future goals, neglecting the importance of recognizing and celebrating successes already achieved. Valuing achievements, individually and collectively, on the other hand, is a powerful motivational engine. In fact, according to an O.C. Tanner report, 79 percent of employees who receive recognition say they are more motivated at work1.

Professional social media, such as LinkedIn, offer companies a unique opportunity to communicate successes and values, both internally and externally. Telling authentic stories and sharing achievements strengthens trust among colleagues and builds strong employer branding that is attractive to new talent.

Building a shared narrative through LinkedIn: some examples

Some companies have adopted effective strategies for using LinkedIn as a tool for sharing and promoting their culture.

The following examples demonstrate how a robust organizational culture can transform into a collective narrative that engages employees, customers, and potential candidates.

  • Salesforce: through the “Employee Spotlights” program, work experiences, meaningful projects and personal achievements are shared. This not only expresses a collaborative culture and the variety and uniqueness of internal talent, but also reflects the Company’s commitment to the professional and personal growth of its employees.
  • Airbnb: The “Belong Anywhere” campaign uses videos and posts to tell the story of employees’ work experiences, highlighting how the company supports them in their daily challenges and in achieving their goals. This content, shared regularly, provides an authentic narrative that reinforces the company’s image as an inclusive and wellness-oriented company.
  • Happy Socks: through content celebrating team-building moments and employee stories, the company conveys a lively and positive image. This approach emphasizes joy and color-a hallmark of the brand and its products-as core values in working life, while also creating an emotional connection with the audience.

Strengthen the connection with potential candidates as well

During selection interviews, today’s candidates don’t just ask what the company does; they also want to understand what it really means to live and work there and what values drive the people who make up the company. Who has never wondered, during the selection process, what kind of “planet” will welcome them?

In this sense, social media such as LinkedIn allow companies to show themselves transparently, offering authentic content that reflects corporate identity.
This transparency is particularly appreciated by younger generations, such as Millennials and Generation Z, who seek work environments where they feel free to express their personalities.

Through content shared on LinkedIn, potential candidates can assess whether the company values and culture expressed are in line with their expectations, making more informed decisions.

Cultivating a culture of belonging means investing in the future of organizations

Investing in a sense of belonging means embarking on a continuous path of shared growth, capable of generating value for both people and the organization.

Engaging employees as Ambassadors of corporate culture not only gives visibility to their personal stories, but also deeply strengthens the bond with the company. In this way, each employee feels part of a larger project and enthusiastically shares the company’s values and mission.

Initiatives such as trainings, recognition programs and authentic listening moments further contribute to building a cohesive, motivated and success-oriented work community. These simple but targeted interventions solidify mutual trust, stimulate collaboration and create a work environment where people feel valued and included.

Every organization has the potential to initiate significant change by transforming the sense of belonging into an engine of innovation.

In an increasingly connected world, building a culture that values people is an indispensable resource for successfully meeting future challenges. Companies that choose to invest in this path not only improve the well-being of their employees, but also lay the groundwork for creating an environment in which each individual feels part of a common mission, contributing with passion and authenticity to building a better future for the entire organization.

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Contributed by
Alessia Peyrot and Gloria Colorizio, PRAXI Human Resources
Date of publication
December 4, 2024
  • People & Culture
  • Employer Branding
  • Article
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