New research shows that almost half of employed Americans are thinking about leaving their current jobs. Those who are considering making a switch are less likely to feel a sense of belonging in their current workplace, which is most often associated with being treated fairly and respectfully – though belonging encompasses many more emotions.

The 2022 Workplace Belonging Survey, commissioned by Ipsos on behalf Dr. Rumeet Billan, researcher, speaker, and expert on psychological capital, finds that nearly all employed Americans (88%) agree that a sense of belonging at work boosts productivity. It also explores the gaps in what workers believe would lead to a sense of belonging and what they are currently experiencing at their jobs.

Belonging is good for business
"We have recently undergone life-altering challenges as a population, exposing the need for workplace cultures to be transformed," said Dr. Billan. "More than 19 million American workers have quit their jobs since April 2021, disrupting businesses everywhere. Companies cannot afford to continue going through this type of employee turnover. It is important that we take the time to learn why this is happening and our recent findings suggest that workers place a high value on the very human and relational aspects of work."

Employed Americans agree that belonging leads to higher productivity at work. If workers feel like they belong, companies can reap substantial benefits – lower turnover, healthier corporate culture, a more productive workforce, engaged employees, and more.

• Nearly all (88%) strongly or somewhat agree that a sense of belonging leads to higher productivity at work, including a majority (54%) that strongly agree.
• Three quarters (76%) say having a sense of belonging at work means being treated fairly and respectfully.
• Two in three say a sense of belonging at work means having their perspective and/or contributions valued by their colleagues and superiors (64%) and working in an environment where they feel accepted (64%).
• The largest disparity between what workers think belonging means and what they currently feel at work is "being treated fairly and respectfully at work" (17 percentage point difference), followed by "having their perspective and/or contributions valued by their colleagues and superiors" and "feeling connected with others at work" (15 percentage point difference for both).

Fairness and respect are critical to employee belonging
Employees cite fairness and respect as the top driver of belonging in the workplace, presenting the greatest opportunity for businesses and employers to create belonging in their organizations.

Inclusion, connection, alignment: opportunities to drive belonging at work
"Belonging is not a program or initiative, it is an experience related to social connectedness, feeling included, and being accepted," said Dr. Billan. "It's not just about inviting everyone to the proverbial table. What happens when they get there? Now, more than ever, companies and employers must take a more human-centered approach to how they support, communicate, and engage with their employees. Well-intentioned quick fixes can come across as transactional or virtue signaling when this is not complemented with the effort to strengthen relational ties."

• Only 36% of employed Americans feel they work in an inclusive environment.
• Less than half of employed Americans feel connected with others at work (45%).
• Less than half of American workers (40%) feel aligned with their organization's mission, vision, and values. This is also true for Millennials, who represent 35% of the total U.S. labor force and are currently the largest working generation. Just over one in three (35%) feel aligned with their organization's mission, vision, and values.

Belonging is a fundamental human motivation, and we are hardwired towards it. Employees are experiencing stress and burnout. They are seeking a renewed sense of purpose in their work and want connection with their colleagues and superiors. Failing to recognize and invest in creating experiences of belonging and failing to meet the demands of a changing workforce will continue to push workers out instead of pulling them in.

Lonely at work
The 2022 Workplace Belonging Study reveals that one in four women feel lonely at work.

The survey asked respondents what they wished their peers and colleagues knew about stressors that were impacting their day-to-day life at work. One survey respondent said, "It's hard being the only woman and person of color in my position."

Another respondent shared, "how hard it is to be a younger female in a predominantly older male community."

Feeling lonely at work is not only problematic for employees, it also poses a great business challenge for companies and employers as well. When employees feel lonely at work, they are more likely to withdraw, take more sick days, and the data suggests that they are more likely to leave. 

Psychological safety in the workplace is a concern. Less than half (45%) of employed Americans feel safe sharing their opinions or thoughts without fear of negative consequences. The survey also shows that less than half (47%) of women feel their perspective and/or contributions are valued by their colleagues and superiors.

"Psychological safety is critical to creating a culture that fosters trust, belonging, and resilience," said Dr. Billan. "Without it, organizations can't thrive and will continue to face retention issues."

When it comes to creating experiences of belonging, an immediate change is needed to support women in the workplace.