In an increasingly connected world, the success of an organisation doesn’t just depend on the bottom line; it’s also about the strength of the community within it. A strong internal community can lead to increased employee satisfaction, higher productivity, and a more inclusive work environment.
Understanding the Importance of Community
Community in a workplace goes beyond just teamwork. It represents a sense of belonging, shared values, and mutual support. The Harvard Business Review highlights the importance of community in organisations, suggesting that it can lead to greater job satisfaction, commitment to the organisation, and even improved health and well-being for employees.
Steps to Build a Community
1. Define The Culture and Values
The first step in building a community is defining the culture and values of the organisation. These should reflect not just the goals of the business but also the ethics and behaviours that are encouraged among employees. Salesforce, for instance, has built a culture around the idea of “Ohana” which means family in Hawaiian. They extend this value to every aspect of their operation, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
2. Encourage Open Communication
A community thrives on open communication. Creating channels where employees can share ideas, express concerns, and offer feedback is crucial. Google, known for its open culture, encourages employees to question and debate decisions openly, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging.
3. Create Shared Experiences
Shared experiences, both professional and personal, can strengthen the bonds within a community. Organising team-building activities, volunteer opportunities, and social events are great ways to build these connections. Zappos, famous for its company culture, hosts regular team outings and events, encouraging employees to connect on a personal level.
4. Recognise and Celebrate Success
Celebrating individual and team successes reinforces a sense of community by acknowledging contributions and achievements. Whether it is a shout-out in a team meeting or an awards ceremony, recognition plays a key role in community building. Adobe’s Recognition Program is a great example, where employees can recognise their peers’ efforts, contributing to a positive work environment.
5. Support Employee Well-Being
Prioritising the well-being of employees is essential for building a community. Offering support through mental health resources, work-life balance initiatives, and career development programs shows that the organisation cares about its employees beyond their work output. LinkedIn offers wellness programs that include resources for mental health, reflecting their commitment to employee well-being.
6. Promote Diversity and Inclusion
A community is inclusive when it embraces diversity in all its forms. Efforts to promote diversity and inclusion should be genuine and consistent. For example, Accenture has been recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with initiatives that support various employee groups.
7. Foster Mentorship and Development
Mentorship programs can help build a community by fostering relationships between employees at different levels and departments. These programs can facilitate knowledge sharing and professional growth, creating a more interconnected workforce. Deloitte’s mentorship program is a testament to the value of fostering these relationships within a community.
Building a community within an organisation is a dynamic and ongoing process. It requires commitment, effort, and genuine care for the well-being and growth of the employees. It is possible for organisations to create a workplace that is not just productive but also supportive and inclusive, and where every member feels valued and connected.
