Building a Culture of Belonging: Small Actions That Make a Big Impact

Creating a culture of belonging is a fundamental part of fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, recognized, and truly connected. For new hires, the initial experience of feeling welcomed and appreciated shapes their perception of the company as well as their commitment to staying long-term. Unfortunately, a concerning trend reveals that approximately 33% of new employees leave their jobs within the first 90 days, a sign that many organizations are still searching for the right formula to make new team members feel at home. This statistic raises an important question: what are some companies doing right when it comes to welcoming new employees?

Studies indicate that organizations with strong onboarding practices and a culture of support see up to 50% higher productivity and 20% better employee retention. These organizations have discovered that when team members feel a true sense of belonging, it strengthens collaboration, boosts job satisfaction, and enhances overall performance. It’s no wonder, then, that companies focused on cultivating a culture of belonging see lasting benefits, as engaged employees are more likely to bring their best selves to work each day.

Why Belonging Matters: The Impact on Engagement and Performance

Company culture, while often described as intangible, is a vital force within any organization, shaping every interaction, decision, and team dynamic. Building a sense of belonging within this culture starts with the seemingly small actions that help employees feel seen and valued. Research by BetterUp shows that when employees feel a strong sense of belonging, their job performance increases by 56%, and their risk of leaving drops by half. This reflects the profound impact of an inclusive culture on an individual’s commitment and enthusiasm for their work.

For new employees, feeling connected from the start makes all the difference. Early gestures that convey appreciation and respect can transform how someone feels about their role and their place within the team. Whether it’s a warm welcome from a colleague or a manager taking time to understand a new hire’s strengths, these actions create a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Creating a welcoming culture doesn’t require sweeping initiatives; it’s often the consistent, thoughtful actions that have the most lasting impact. Encouraging open communication, offering personalized onboarding experiences, or celebrating small milestones, all of these gestures reflect a genuine commitment to each person’s growth and well-being. When employees see that they’re valued as individuals, not just as roles, they’re more likely to bring their best selves to work, fostering a culture where everyone feels they truly belong.

As we continue, we’ll look at specific strategies that can turn these insights into meaningful action, helping leaders create environments where belonging is a cornerstone of success.

Making Belonging Personal: TTA’s Positive Word Art Tradition

At TTA, we believe that a supportive culture is built through genuine connections, starting from day one. One way we foster this sense of belonging is through a simple but meaningful tradition woven into our onboarding process: a few months after a new team member joins, we invite everyone to share a single word that captures what they appreciate about their new colleague. These words are then crafted into a word art display, a unique piece placed on their desk as a warm reminder of their positive impact and the team’s gratitude.

This display is a daily affirmation that each team member is seen, valued, and celebrated by those around them. This small gesture helps create a strong sense of community and belonging. It encourages team members to share positive feedback openly and builds a culture that thrives on recognition and connection. By making this tradition a part of our onboarding, we’re committed to reinforcing a workplace where support and appreciation are at the heart of everything we do.

Below are a few examples of word art creations for some of TTA’s newest team members, capturing the spirit of our welcoming community:

Creating a culture of belonging doesn’t have to be complex. Sometimes, the simplest actions have the greatest impact. Here are a few practical ideas for welcoming new employees and building strong team connections:

• Encourage Authentic Introductions: Begin with casual meet-and-greet sessions that give team members a chance to introduce themselves in a relaxed setting. These informal conversations help new employees feel at ease and build genuine connections from the start.
• Personalized Welcome Messages: Invite team members to write personal notes or emails to the new hire. These thoughtful messages remind new employees that they’re entering a supportive community where their presence is appreciated.
• Celebrate Early Wins: Take time to acknowledge a new employee’s contributions in team meetings, even in their first few weeks. Recognizing these early achievements not only boosts their confidence but reinforces that their efforts are noticed and valued.
• Create Dedicated Onboarding Moments: Schedule regular check-ins to discuss how the new employee is settling in and invite them to share their feedback. This commitment to ongoing support sends a clear message—they’re not alone, and their success matters to the team.

These small gestures can make all the difference in helping new team members feel welcomed, connected, and ready to bring their best to the team.

Building a Culture That Lasts

Creating a lasting culture of belonging is a commitment that pays dividends across the organization. When employees feel connected, they’re more engaged, more likely to stay, and actively contribute to a positive workplace environment. Building this sense of belonging doesn’t call for complex initiatives; rather, it’s about a series of thoughtful, consistent actions that remind each team member they are valued.

Small gestures, like the word art tradition or personalized welcomes, may seem simple, but they create a powerful sense of community that resonates with employees. These moments of connection and appreciation lay the groundwork for a culture that endures, a culture where everyone feels they have a place and a purpose. In the long run, this foundation of belonging is what helps teams thrive and organizations succeed.

Bring Belonging to Your Organization

Building a culture of belonging brings to life Maya Angelou’s words: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This idea is at the heart of a workplace where small, intentional actions create lasting bonds. When employees feel genuinely welcomed and valued, they remember it, deepening their commitment and connection to the organization. Belonging becomes more than a value, it becomes the pulse of a culture where each person feels part of something meaningful and lasting.

Looking to create a culture of belonging in your organization? TTA provides expert training talent and customized learning solutions to help build supportive, engaging workplaces where every team member feels valued and empowered. Check out this podcast on strategies for developing a thriving workplace culture to learn more about fostering environments that inspire connection and success.