Just a fifth (20%) of employees truly feel like they belong in their workplace on a day-to-day basis, according to research by Procter and Gamble UK.
Its survey of 2,000 UK adults found that despite this, 82% of respondents feel a sense of belonging at work, the highest level in more than a decade.
Three-quarters (75%) would commit to an employer for years if they felt valued, while 73% would stay longer where they feel a genuine sense of belonging. In contrast, 59% would leave a job where they do not feel part of a team.
Furthermore, a sense of belonging starts with feeling accepted for who they are (61%), having a sense of community (51%) and not feeling like an outsider (50%).
Almost half (47%) of respondents defined belonging as feeling respected by colleagues, 45% defined it as feeling accepted for who they are, and 44% defined it as feeling part of a team. Meanwhile, 37% defined belonging as feeling their voice is heard, that their opinion matters, and being treated fairly regardless of background.
A tenth (10%) said belonging can come down to simple acts of familiarity such as colleagues knowing how they take their tea order, while 6% did not know how to describe what it means to them.
Gen Z were more likely to value their ambitions being taken seriously (23%) and their wellbeing being recognised (32%). Millennials were among the most likely to say belonging means having their opinions valued (39%) and being treated fairly regardless of background (39%).
Gen X were the most likely to define belonging as feeling respected (50%), while 53% of Baby Boomers said this is what matters most, the highest of any generation.
Alessandro Catellani, vice president, human resources at Procter and Gamble Northern Europe, said: “Belonging is about much more than policies, it’s about whether people feel valued and supported. For those earlier in their careers, belonging is often about being seen, supported and given opportunities to grow. For more experienced employees, it is about respect, inclusion and feeling part of something bigger. Our role as an employer is to create an environment where both can exist at the same time, so people at every stage can thrive and build long-term careers with us.”
