The Energy of Belonging Book Summary - The Energy of Belonging Book explained in key points
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The Energy of Belonging summary

Wendy Gates Corbett

75 Ideas to Spark Workplace Community

4.3 (133 ratings)
16 mins

Brief summary

The Energy of Belonging examines the crucial role of inclusion and belonging in the workplace. Wendy Gates Corbett offers practical strategies to foster genuine connections, enhancing personal well-being and organizational productivity.

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    The Energy of Belonging
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    What is belonging, and why does it matter so much?

    Imagine yourself walking into your workplace, or logging in for remote meetings, and feeling truly seen, valued, and safe to express yourself. That's belonging in a nutshell. And 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.

    To see this in action, consider Sarah, a new hire at a tech startup. On her first day, her teammate Jake notices her looking lost. He introduces himself, shows her around, and invites her to lunch with the team. By day's end, Sarah feels welcomed and part of the group. That's belonging in action.

    But why does it matter so much? 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.

    When employees feel like Mark, a long-time team member who's been disconnected lately, their productivity drops. In Mark’s case, he's even thinking about leaving. But when his manager  starts recognizing his contributions in team meetings and seeking his input on important projects, Mark feels valued again. His energy returns, and he rediscovers his passion for the job.

    These scenarios aren't just nice stories — they reflect real research. Studies show that employees who feel they belong take far fewer sick days. They're also more productive and more likely to stay with their company long-term.

    In today's workplace, teamwork is more important than ever. You're probably spending more time collaborating now than you did a few years ago. When everyone in a team feels they belong, they work together more smoothly and achieve better results.

    On the flip side, feeling excluded can really hurt. If you feel like an outsider, you might hold back your ideas or put in less effort. This doesn't just affect you — it can bring down the whole team's performance.

    The good news is that creating a sense of belonging isn't just the job of managers or HR. Every single person in a workplace can make a difference. Small actions, like greeting a coworker warmly or asking for someone's opinion in a meeting, can have a big impact.

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    What is The Energy of Belonging about?

    The Energy of Belonging (2024) is an action-oriented guide for everyone who wants to help create a sense of connection, respect, and safety in the workplace, and how this can transform organizations. It focuses on practical strategies for employees at all levels to foster a culture of belonging, to boost productivity, creativity, and overall success. 

    Who should read The Energy of Belonging?

    • Employees at all levels who want to contribute to a more positive work environment
    • Diversity and inclusion specialists or enthusiasts interested in fostering belonging
    • Anyone looking to integrate better into their teams, or promote success and wellbeing for everyone

    About the Author

    Wendy Gates Corbett is an organizational consultant, global keynote speaker, and certified trainer who has worked with over 150,000 people worldwide. As an adjunct professor at Duke University, she teaches management and leadership, while also serving on the board of trustees at Guilford College. Wendy's expertise lies in helping organizations create thriving workplace communities where employees feel seen, heard, and valued.

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