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The Energy of Belonging: 75 Ideas to Spark Workplace Community
Be a spark that generates a stronger sense of belonging in your workplace!
Many employees feel powerless to reconnect and engage with “work BFFs” who are disconnected and disengaged. They don’t know what to do, or may think there’s nothing they can do because they’re not a leader. What can they do? The a lot!
Belonging is built with human interactions that convey, “I see you, I respect you.” In The Energy of 75 Ideas to Spark Workplace Community, drawing from her own research, Wendy Gates Corbett shares easy, practical ways employees at all levels can build a work environment in which employees feel connected, respected, and protected.
If you are eager to spark a stronger sense of belonging in your workplace community, but don’t know where to start, this book provides research-based simple strategies that don’t require a budget or months (or years) to implement. This book
Ideas for connecting with, respecting, and protecting your colleagues
Prompts to reflect on your own experiences and sense of belonging
Stories of belonging and disconnection from professionals in a variety of industries
A framework for identifying behaviors that build belonging in your own workplace
Every single employee has the power to build belonging. Let The Energy of Belonging show you how!
Many employees feel powerless to reconnect and engage with “work BFFs” who are disconnected and disengaged. They don’t know what to do, or may think there’s nothing they can do because they’re not a leader. What can they do? The a lot!
Belonging is built with human interactions that convey, “I see you, I respect you.” In The Energy of 75 Ideas to Spark Workplace Community, drawing from her own research, Wendy Gates Corbett shares easy, practical ways employees at all levels can build a work environment in which employees feel connected, respected, and protected.
If you are eager to spark a stronger sense of belonging in your workplace community, but don’t know where to start, this book provides research-based simple strategies that don’t require a budget or months (or years) to implement. This book
Ideas for connecting with, respecting, and protecting your colleagues
Prompts to reflect on your own experiences and sense of belonging
Stories of belonging and disconnection from professionals in a variety of industries
A framework for identifying behaviors that build belonging in your own workplace
Every single employee has the power to build belonging. Let The Energy of Belonging show you how!
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2024
15 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 28, 2024
In "The Energy of Belonging: 75 Ideas to Spark Workplace Community", Wendy Gates Corbett delves into a vital aspect of today's corporate environment: belonging. She brings to light a hidden gap in many organizations — the belonging gap — which leaves employees feeling disconnected, unseen, and undervalued. This gap isn't just an emotional void but a major productivity and engagement issue for businesses. The concept of belonging is simple yet powerful. When employees feel truly seen, valued, and safe, their work lives transform. They become more productive, engaged, and innovative. Corbett emphasizes that fostering a sense of belonging isn’t just the responsibility of leaders and HR professionals; it's something every employee can contribute to.
She starts by exploring what belonging truly means — feeling connected to others in the workplace. It’s the small actions, like greeting someone by name or inviting them to join a lunch, that can make an individual feel welcome and part of the team. This connection goes beyond surface-level interactions; it’s about understanding and appreciating colleagues as real people with lives outside of work. Corbett illustrates this through examples like Amanda, who always felt like an outsider until her team initiated weekly coffee chats. These informal gatherings allowed Amanda to connect with her coworkers on a personal level, transforming her work experience. Such connections, whether in person or virtual, are vital for building a strong team.
Here are the 75 ideas from "The Energy of Belonging: 75 Ideas to Spark Workplace Community":
01. Greet with a smile.
02. Use inclusive language.
03. Celebrate small wins.
04. Host virtual coffee breaks.
05. Share personal stories.
06. Acknowledge everyone's contributions.
07. Practice active listening.
08. Encourage peer recognition.
09. Promote team collaboration.
10. Share team successes publicly.
11. Hold regular check-ins.
12. Foster a sense of purpose.
13. Encourage cross-departmental relationships.
14. Create a safe space for feedback.
15. Embrace cultural diversity.
16. Host themed team-building events.
17. Encourage work-life balance.
18. Share learning resources.
19. Celebrate birthdays and milestones.
20. Create a "shout-out" board.
21. Encourage vulnerability.
22. Share team meals.
23. Promote health and wellness.
24. Rotate leadership in meetings.
25. Celebrate creative problem-solving.
26. Support individual passions.
27. Create a book club.
28. Invite external speakers.
29. Promote a buddy system for new hires.
30. Create fun challenges.
31. Have open-door policies.
32. Encourage mentorship.
33. Celebrate professional growth.
34. Recognize efforts, not just outcomes.
35. Host lunch-and-learns.
36. Develop empathy through stories.
37. Encourage random acts of kindness.
38. Share personal accomplishments.
39. Provide stress-relief activities.
40. Celebrate diversity.
41. Hold team gratitude sessions.
42. Encourage breaks and time off.
43. Practice transparency in communication.
44. Share positive feedback from customers.
45. Encourage self-reflection.
46. Promote flexible working arrangements.
47. Make time for social interaction.
48. Create a community bulletin board.
49. Organize team retreats.
50. Recognize team achievements with awards.
51. Host networking events.
52. Share inspiring stories.
53. Encourage mindfulness practices.
54. Provide opportunities for growth.
55. Recognize unique contributions.
56. Celebrate collaborative achievements.
57. Encourage creative expression.
58. Host wellness workshops.
59. Practice team building through games.
60. Create community service projects.
61. Share inspirational quotes.
62. Promote inclusive decision-making.
63. Create a supportive environment for failure.
64. Hold appreciation days.
65. Share resources for mental health.
66. Celebrate company anniversaries.
67. Create a safe space for conflict resolution.
68. Encourage leadership development.
69. Create a culture of feedback.
70. Foster innovation through brainstorming.
71. Organize wellness challenges.
72. Share team-building experiences.
73. Provide opportunities for team volunteering.
74. Support social causes together.
75. Embrace continuous learning.
These ideas are designed to foster belonging and community in the workplace.
Beyond connection, respect is another cornerstone of belonging. Corbett points out that respect isn’t just about politeness — it’s about valuing each person for their unique contributions and understanding their life outside of work. For instance, when Salwa's manager started actively seeking her input during meetings, she felt respected, which fueled her creativity and engagement. Respect also fosters open communication, which is essential for innovation and collaboration. When people feel respected, they’re more likely to share their ideas and engage in constructive discussions, which benefits both the individual and the organization.
However, connection and respect are not enough without protection. Corbett highlights the importance of creating a safe environment where employees feel emotionally and psychologically secure. This sense of protection allows people to express themselves freely without fear of ridicule or retaliation. For example, Mei, who used to dread team meetings, felt empowered to share her ideas after her manager implemented a no-interruption rule, fostering a culture of safety and inclusion. Protection also extends to well-being, ensuring that employees aren’t overworked and that their time and rest are valued. When employees like Lukas, who was constantly working late, are supported by policies that protect their personal time, their job satisfaction and work-life balance improve significantly.
In the end, Corbett argues that focusing on belonging is a powerful driver of workplace success. When employees feel connected, respected, and protected, they bring their best selves to work, resulting in higher engagement, creativity, and productivity. These are not just feel-good concepts but essential ingredients for organizational success. The energy of belonging, created through small daily actions, can transform a workplace into a thriving community where everyone feels they truly belong. Ultimately, Corbett’s message is clear: everyone has the power to create a workplace where belonging thrives. By fostering connection, showing respect, and protecting one another, employees can build a culture that energizes their entire team, leading to better results for both individuals and the organization as a whole.
She starts by exploring what belonging truly means — feeling connected to others in the workplace. It’s the small actions, like greeting someone by name or inviting them to join a lunch, that can make an individual feel welcome and part of the team. This connection goes beyond surface-level interactions; it’s about understanding and appreciating colleagues as real people with lives outside of work. Corbett illustrates this through examples like Amanda, who always felt like an outsider until her team initiated weekly coffee chats. These informal gatherings allowed Amanda to connect with her coworkers on a personal level, transforming her work experience. Such connections, whether in person or virtual, are vital for building a strong team.
Here are the 75 ideas from "The Energy of Belonging: 75 Ideas to Spark Workplace Community":
01. Greet with a smile.
02. Use inclusive language.
03. Celebrate small wins.
04. Host virtual coffee breaks.
05. Share personal stories.
06. Acknowledge everyone's contributions.
07. Practice active listening.
08. Encourage peer recognition.
09. Promote team collaboration.
10. Share team successes publicly.
11. Hold regular check-ins.
12. Foster a sense of purpose.
13. Encourage cross-departmental relationships.
14. Create a safe space for feedback.
15. Embrace cultural diversity.
16. Host themed team-building events.
17. Encourage work-life balance.
18. Share learning resources.
19. Celebrate birthdays and milestones.
20. Create a "shout-out" board.
21. Encourage vulnerability.
22. Share team meals.
23. Promote health and wellness.
24. Rotate leadership in meetings.
25. Celebrate creative problem-solving.
26. Support individual passions.
27. Create a book club.
28. Invite external speakers.
29. Promote a buddy system for new hires.
30. Create fun challenges.
31. Have open-door policies.
32. Encourage mentorship.
33. Celebrate professional growth.
34. Recognize efforts, not just outcomes.
35. Host lunch-and-learns.
36. Develop empathy through stories.
37. Encourage random acts of kindness.
38. Share personal accomplishments.
39. Provide stress-relief activities.
40. Celebrate diversity.
41. Hold team gratitude sessions.
42. Encourage breaks and time off.
43. Practice transparency in communication.
44. Share positive feedback from customers.
45. Encourage self-reflection.
46. Promote flexible working arrangements.
47. Make time for social interaction.
48. Create a community bulletin board.
49. Organize team retreats.
50. Recognize team achievements with awards.
51. Host networking events.
52. Share inspiring stories.
53. Encourage mindfulness practices.
54. Provide opportunities for growth.
55. Recognize unique contributions.
56. Celebrate collaborative achievements.
57. Encourage creative expression.
58. Host wellness workshops.
59. Practice team building through games.
60. Create community service projects.
61. Share inspirational quotes.
62. Promote inclusive decision-making.
63. Create a supportive environment for failure.
64. Hold appreciation days.
65. Share resources for mental health.
66. Celebrate company anniversaries.
67. Create a safe space for conflict resolution.
68. Encourage leadership development.
69. Create a culture of feedback.
70. Foster innovation through brainstorming.
71. Organize wellness challenges.
72. Share team-building experiences.
73. Provide opportunities for team volunteering.
74. Support social causes together.
75. Embrace continuous learning.
These ideas are designed to foster belonging and community in the workplace.
Beyond connection, respect is another cornerstone of belonging. Corbett points out that respect isn’t just about politeness — it’s about valuing each person for their unique contributions and understanding their life outside of work. For instance, when Salwa's manager started actively seeking her input during meetings, she felt respected, which fueled her creativity and engagement. Respect also fosters open communication, which is essential for innovation and collaboration. When people feel respected, they’re more likely to share their ideas and engage in constructive discussions, which benefits both the individual and the organization.
However, connection and respect are not enough without protection. Corbett highlights the importance of creating a safe environment where employees feel emotionally and psychologically secure. This sense of protection allows people to express themselves freely without fear of ridicule or retaliation. For example, Mei, who used to dread team meetings, felt empowered to share her ideas after her manager implemented a no-interruption rule, fostering a culture of safety and inclusion. Protection also extends to well-being, ensuring that employees aren’t overworked and that their time and rest are valued. When employees like Lukas, who was constantly working late, are supported by policies that protect their personal time, their job satisfaction and work-life balance improve significantly.
In the end, Corbett argues that focusing on belonging is a powerful driver of workplace success. When employees feel connected, respected, and protected, they bring their best selves to work, resulting in higher engagement, creativity, and productivity. These are not just feel-good concepts but essential ingredients for organizational success. The energy of belonging, created through small daily actions, can transform a workplace into a thriving community where everyone feels they truly belong. Ultimately, Corbett’s message is clear: everyone has the power to create a workplace where belonging thrives. By fostering connection, showing respect, and protecting one another, employees can build a culture that energizes their entire team, leading to better results for both individuals and the organization as a whole.
August 28, 2024
I think this may have been a better read if the solution wasn't to put so much onus on workers to connect with other workers rather than a work environment curated to address everyone's needs of belonging at it's core and valuing them and their work (asking generic how are you/weekend/inside jokes isn't going to stop someone from leaving a shit work environment)
TBA radical culture idea for BT:
- The impact of belonging in the workplace is astounding, and it's time we equipped every employee with the tools to foster it. You don't need to be a leader to make a difference, you just need to know how.
- Protection in the workplace goes beyond physical safety. It's about emotional and psychological well-being too. It's about creating an environment where you can thrive without feeling vulnerable or exposed.
- But protection isn't just about policies. It's about creating a culture where everyone looks out for each other. It's about speaking up when you see a colleague being treated unfairly, or when someone's workload becomes unmanageable.
- You're creating a workplace where everyone can feel secure, valued, and empowered to do their best work.
- scenarios illustrate how the energy of belonging — or its absence — can significantly impact an individual's performance and an organization's success. When you feel you belong, you're more likely to take risks, and collaborate effectively. You feel secure enough to be your authentic self at work.
Notes:
- Imagine walking into work every day feeling disconnected, unseen, and unvalued. How do you think you might perform? Sadly, this is the reality for many employees.
- it's not just a warm, fuzzy feeling — it's the outcome of how people treat each other, and it has a massive impact on your work life.
- Well, when you feel like you belong, everything changes. You're more likely to speak up in meetings, share innovative ideas, and collaborate effectively with your colleagues. You're also less likely to call in sick or look for a new job.
- Virtual coffee chats, team-building activities, or even just starting meetings with a personal check-in can foster connection across distances.
- Respect also extends to recognizing the whole person, not just the employee. It's about understanding and valuing your life outside of work. For instance, when Tom's colleagues supported his need to leave early for his daughter's school events, he felt a deeper sense of belonging to his workplace community.
- Respect also fosters open communication. When you feel respected, you're more likely to share your honest thoughts and engage in constructive discussions. This leads to better problem-solving, and more innovative ideas emerging.
TBA radical culture idea for BT:
- The impact of belonging in the workplace is astounding, and it's time we equipped every employee with the tools to foster it. You don't need to be a leader to make a difference, you just need to know how.
- Protection in the workplace goes beyond physical safety. It's about emotional and psychological well-being too. It's about creating an environment where you can thrive without feeling vulnerable or exposed.
- But protection isn't just about policies. It's about creating a culture where everyone looks out for each other. It's about speaking up when you see a colleague being treated unfairly, or when someone's workload becomes unmanageable.
- You're creating a workplace where everyone can feel secure, valued, and empowered to do their best work.
- scenarios illustrate how the energy of belonging — or its absence — can significantly impact an individual's performance and an organization's success. When you feel you belong, you're more likely to take risks, and collaborate effectively. You feel secure enough to be your authentic self at work.
Notes:
- Imagine walking into work every day feeling disconnected, unseen, and unvalued. How do you think you might perform? Sadly, this is the reality for many employees.
- it's not just a warm, fuzzy feeling — it's the outcome of how people treat each other, and it has a massive impact on your work life.
- Well, when you feel like you belong, everything changes. You're more likely to speak up in meetings, share innovative ideas, and collaborate effectively with your colleagues. You're also less likely to call in sick or look for a new job.
- Virtual coffee chats, team-building activities, or even just starting meetings with a personal check-in can foster connection across distances.
- Respect also extends to recognizing the whole person, not just the employee. It's about understanding and valuing your life outside of work. For instance, when Tom's colleagues supported his need to leave early for his daughter's school events, he felt a deeper sense of belonging to his workplace community.
- Respect also fosters open communication. When you feel respected, you're more likely to share your honest thoughts and engage in constructive discussions. This leads to better problem-solving, and more innovative ideas emerging.
February 17, 2024
Wendy Gates Corbett's "The Energy of Belonging" is an approachable guide to fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace. Through relatable case studies and insightful quotes, Corbett highlights the simplicity of inclusion and the detrimental effects of exclusion. What sets this book apart is its practicality—no endless meetings or bureaucratic red tape required. With 75 actionable tips, Corbett demonstrates that creating a culture of engagement and community is within EVERYONE'S reach, whether you're a leader or a team member. This book offers a path to cultivating belonging without adding to the overwhelm of daily tasks or setting unattainable goals.
June 20, 2024
With a variety of stories demonstrating the value of making an effort to make your coworkers feel connected, respected and protected, Wendy Gates Corbett lays out easy ways to make your coworkers feel more included and plugged in.
Her whole premise is providing action items for the individual, which I appreciate. But I am knocking off a star because I think she should have more thoroughly addressed that leadership needs to ensure their organization has an inclusive and engaging culture so workers feel empowered to further that effort. Creating a workplace community is not just in the backs of the employees.
Her whole premise is providing action items for the individual, which I appreciate. But I am knocking off a star because I think she should have more thoroughly addressed that leadership needs to ensure their organization has an inclusive and engaging culture so workers feel empowered to further that effort. Creating a workplace community is not just in the backs of the employees.
August 28, 2024
Summary:
You have the power to create a workplace where everyone thrives. By fostering connection, showing respect, and protecting your colleagues at work, you can build a culture of belonging that energizes your entire team. Grand gestures are great, but small daily actions make the biggest difference — from welcoming new colleagues to standing up against exclusion or bullying. When people feel they truly belong, they're more engaged, creative, and productive, leading to better results for everyone.
You have the power to create a workplace where everyone thrives. By fostering connection, showing respect, and protecting your colleagues at work, you can build a culture of belonging that energizes your entire team. Grand gestures are great, but small daily actions make the biggest difference — from welcoming new colleagues to standing up against exclusion or bullying. When people feel they truly belong, they're more engaged, creative, and productive, leading to better results for everyone.
September 6, 2025
Wendy does a wonderful job of making her ideas practical. She shares real life examples to bring context. And she gives you 25 ideas for how to implement each of the three areas of Belonging: connect, respect, protect. Whether you’re in leadership or not, you can put these ideas into action right away.
August 28, 2024
Read on 81inklist.
It's good enough to listen to on the side. If you want to integrate the sense of belonging into the corporate strategy, you have to go into much more detail and actually deal with the topic more, from my personal perception.
It's good enough to listen to on the side. If you want to integrate the sense of belonging into the corporate strategy, you have to go into much more detail and actually deal with the topic more, from my personal perception.
January 9, 2025
This is a good book for a person who is working so he or she can connect, respect, and protect herself or himself to belong in the workplace. It is also good to use these ways to get along with ones friends and neighbors to help them belong.
June 4, 2024
Wendy has written a terrific use-it-now book for anyone with colleagues! Read it and make the world a better place by building a culture of belonging.
March 8, 2025
Very skimmable, as most self-help books are
January 8, 2026
Quick insightful read with easy to implement solutions to build workplace community.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews