Culture of recognition can help 'enhance' sense of community and belonging at work
Employers are being urged to recognise progress and not perfection among employees in order to cultivate a culture of empathy and belonging in the workplace.
Leaders shouldn't wait until the end of a project to appreciate their people. Instead, wins should be celebrated along the way, according to the report from Reward Gateway and Edenred.
"Recognising and rewarding people for their successes helps link their efforts into the success of the organisation as a whole and makes work more meaningful," the paper read.
"By encouraging a continuous culture of recognition where people feel seen, valued, and appreciated, you can effectively enhance that sense of community and belonging, while acknowledging the progress individuals and teams have made."
But recognising progress is just one step that employers can take to cultivate a culture of empathy and belonging in the workplace.
According to the whitepaper, leaders also play a crucial role in fostering this workplace culture by setting the tone for how individuals interact at work.
These empathetic leaders listen to their team members, understand their needs, and support their growth and development, the paper said.
"They prioritise creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique talents and ideas," it added.
The paper also stressed the importance of establishing "safe spaces for vulnerability," including support groups, counselling services, or informal gatherings.
"Empathy flourishes in environments where individuals feel safe to be vulnerable and authentic," the paper said. "Creating spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their struggles, fears, and insecurities fosters deeper connections and mutual support."
Read more on how to foster a culture of empathy and belonging in this whitepaper from Reward Gateway and Edenred.
