A Sense of Belonging at Work: A Guide to Improving Wellbeing and Performance

A sense of not belonging, that we are not accepted or valued at work can be enormously detrimental to our psychological well-being and sense of self, and can impact engagement, motivation and performance.

Based on extensive research, this accessible and practical book helps leaders understand the implications of belonging on our well-being and performance and equips them with the insight and tools to ensure their employees have a sense of belonging at work, through:

• establishing connections and developing meaningful relationships,
• identifying and leveraging values and strengths,
• developing their awareness of diversity and unconscious bias,
• fostering a psychologically safe environment in which all can speak up,
• developing an inclusive leadership mindset and
• challenging negative thinking patterns.

The strategies and tips provided will allow readers to ensure they too have a strong sense of belonging at work.

This book is designed for leaders in organisations who are responsible for the performance and well-being of their teams and for anyone who has experienced a sense of not belonging and wants to understand how to develop a sense of belonging now and in the future. It will also be of value to HR professionals and coaches, who are seeking to develop positive, inclusive workplaces.

Lee Waller is Professor of Occupational Psychology at Hult Ashridge, UK, and has worked in leadership development for over seventeen years, supporting leaders to be the best of themselves at work by understanding their strengths and developing their leadership skills. Formerly Director of Research at Hult International Business School, Lee is an extensive researcher and writer in the areas of belonging, diversity, and inclusion.