How do you know you don’t belong to a workplace?

“A team is not a group of people who work together. A team is a group of people that trust each other.” 

“There’s a difference between working together and working in the same office.” 

“A culture is strong when people work with each other, for each other. A culture is weak when people work against each other, for themselves.”

-Simon Sinek 

A sense of belonging to a workplace is crucial for efficiency, team collaboration, and personal and professional growth. It stems from acknowledging where you come from, your identity, and all that you bring with it. So, why is it important to feel that sense of belonging? For one, belonging in a workplace is likely to impact the business growth and performance of every employee. The feeling is coupled with a strong sense of safety, security, and being included. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by Great Place to Work, employees who experience a sense of belonging are three times more likely to look forward to coming to work and five times more likely to want to stay in the organisation for a longer time. 

The lack thereof leads to insecurities, fear, and a lack of willingness to cooperate, communicate and collaborate with other team members. Have you ever felt excluded by a few members of your team? Or felt that there has been a lack of transparency within your team? Here are some signs you need to look out for to know you do not belong at your workplace. 

Lack of acknowledgement 

If you’ve ever felt that no matter what you do or how many hours you put in, your work goes unnoticed, you may feel you do not belong. According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn, 59 per cent of respondents stated that being recognised for accomplishments and effort in the workplace was the single largest contributor to the sense of belonging. An organisation and leader need to value the work their employees put in. It can go a long way in incentivising employees to remain consistent, improve the quality of their work, and increase efficiency. It could be in the form of a simple message or email announcing big wins and more.  

If you’re treated differently because of your race or colour 

It is essential to acknowledge diversity in race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and more to create inclusive practices and safe spaces for employees. If you are being treated differently because of who you are, your sexual preferences, gender, or ethnicity, you are less likely to feel a sense of belonging in your workplace. For instance, according to the LinkedIn survey, recognition for accomplishment was important to 62 per cent of women as opposed to 57 per cent of men, because women are often undervalued at work. 

If you’re hesitant to give your honest opinion 

Do you think thousand times before you give your opinion or feel inhibited to think out loud during a brainstorming session? You really shouldn’t need to. A workplace is supposed to bring out the best version of yourself and inspire you. As Simon Sinek says, “Returning from work feeling inspired, safe, fulfilled, and grateful is a natural human right we are all entitled to and not a modern luxury that only a few lucky ones are able to find.” What can be more fulfilling than feeling free and safe to say what you think? As per the LinkedIn survey, 51 per cent of respondents stated that feeling free to express one’s opinions at work is another factor in feeling like you belong. 

If you feel lonely or excluded 

There may be plenty of instances where you may feel excluded from after-work conversations or coffee breaks with colleagues. Remember how Rachel felt when her co-workers went on smoke breaks (read: important work conversations)? Fret not. You can overcome this feeling by reminding yourself who you are, what you believe in, and the skillset that you have to offer. It can go a long way in keeping you going, and performing excellently at your workplace. You can also try communicating with your team and finding a plausible solution. 

Your principles and goals are not in line with the vision of the company

If you find that your goals, principles, and beliefs are not in line with the organisation's vision, and if it bothers you that you have to adjust your working style to that of the company, chances are that this organisation is not for you. It may not help you realise your long-term professional and personal goals. You may bring it up with your bosses to reassess your role in the company or look out for something better suited for you!