Instinctively, we know that communities enrich our lives, but they do much more than that. They help shape who we are and connect us to each other, even within the workplace. When we belong to a community at work, we no longer feel like faceless employees; we can start to feel a profound Sense of Community. Makes sense, right?
Let's take a moment to think about what it means to be part of a community. First, imagine that you are an employee of Company X. In the three years you've spent there, you have yet to make a good friend at work. In fact, you only know the names of your teammates and a few other people you have occasionally interacted with to complete projects. So far, you have stayed at Company X because the salary is competitive, and you prefer the comfort of not having to change jobs. One day, you are offered a position in Company Y, a competitor of Company X, with a 12% salary increase. What will factor into your decision to accept the offer?
Now, imagine a second scenario. You are an employee of Company Z and have worked there for 3 years. Having formed several strong friendships with your co-workers, you meet up with them every Friday after work. One warm summer evening, you and your friends discover you all share a passion for the great outdoors. Lucky for you, Company Z has an Employee Interest Group program, and you all join the hiking group. Joining this group opens the door to a wealth of new relationships within the workplace, enriching your professional network.
As time passes, you find yourself not only well liked by your colleagues, but also recognized as a highly valued member of Company Z. One day, you are offered a position in Company Q, a competitor of Company Z, with a 12% salary increase. What will factor into your decision to accept the offer?
The strong Sense of Community cultivated at Company Z might make leaving a much more difficult decision. Compared to Company X in the first scenario, Company Z offers a compelling reason to stay, despite the potential salary increase offered by the competitor. What would you give up by moving on? How would you feel taking the pay raise and leaving your old company in scenario one vs. scenario two?
That small thought experiment was meant to help you better understand what a Sense of Community is all about. We all feel it to some extent, that unmistakable bond with our co-workers. But beyond a broad sense of connection, what else do we know about a Sense of Community - especially in a professional setting? How do we define it? And perhaps most importantly, what are the remarkable benefits associated with a strong Sense of Community at work?
To understand Sense of Community as a psychological concept, it can be broken down into three key concepts: belonging, fulfillment of needs, and identification.
A Sense of Community is more than just a warm, fuzzy feeling. It's a deep-seated sense of belonging, a feeling of being important to one another, and a shared confidence that the needs of every community member will be met by a shared commitment to each other. When this sense of belonging is present in the workplace, it transforms the entire employee experience.
Imagine working in an organization where you know you're not just a cog in the machine, but an integral part of a close-knit community. You're not just another face in the office; you're valued, respected, and your contributions matter. This feeling of belonging is the X-factor that fuels motivation, engagement, and a sense of purpose.
Workers who feel a strong Sense of Community in their organization recognize that their needs are met, their quality of life is improved, and their membership is valued. They recognize that the welfare of their organization is a source of collective well-being and are less likely to feel isolated or alienated. Moreover, well-being is highly correlated to a Sense of Community, with higher life satisfaction and lower feelings of loneliness.
Think about it: when you're part of a supportive work community, you're not just another worker striving to meet your job requirements. You're part of something bigger, a group that genuinely cares about your well-being. This sense of collective support not only boosts your morale but also enhances your overall quality of life.
Employees with a strong Sense of Community are more likely to identify with their organization. Those who identify with their organization are more likely to buy into the organization's goals and activities and are more motivated to work hard to achieve those goals. Organizations with high levels of employee identification can expect a more cohesive work atmosphere and greater levels of cooperation and altruism, including greater levels of support for the organization. Employees can benefit from positive self-esteem and the satisfaction of the human need to belong.
When you're part of a community at work, your commitment goes beyond the paycheck. You're invested in the company's success because it's your success too. This kind of identification creates a powerful synergy that drives productivity, innovation, and a genuine desire to contribute to the greater good.
With remote work and virtual interactions becoming the norm, building and nurturing communities at work is critical. Employees no longer gather around the water cooler or share stories during lunch breaks. This new paradigm creates the need for virtual spaces that foster the same sense of belonging, integration, and identification.
Within the workplace, a Sense of Community plays a pivotal role. It's the tune that resonates with employees, the rhythm that keeps teams in sync, and the melody that harmonizes individual goals with the collective mission of an organization.
Pause for a minute to reflect on the key concepts that define a Sense of Community and consider how these principles could be applied in your workplace. Imagine a company where every employee feels they belong, where their needs are met, and where they identify not just as workers but as passionate contributors to a shared vision. That's the kind of community at work that propels organizations to new heights.
So, whether you're a business leader, an HR professional, or simply someone looking to enhance your work culture, remember that building and nurturing communities at work isn't just a feel-good initiative – it's a strategic imperative. It's the secret sauce that transforms a group of individuals into a cohesive, high-performing team. And in today's ever-evolving world of work, a strong Sense of Community is your compass, guiding you toward a brighter, more connected future.
Prioritizing a Sense of Community as an employer has never been more important. If you want to learn more about implementing communities and creating a Sense of Community within your organization, visit www.mixr.net and book a demo today.
What is MixR?
MixR is a simple to use SaaS platform for building thriving workplace communities. We empower employees to create, manage, and measure internal communities and host mixrs (in person events) around something they care about – women in tech, spikeball, LGBTQ – you name it!
