What does it really mean to belong at work? And how does it feel? Belonging can be difficult to pin down yet most of us know instinctively those times when we’ve felt it and those times when we really haven’t.
Maslow’s seminal work on motivation described belonging (or belongingness) as the need for connection and acceptance, and put it just above basic needs like food and safety. The evidence for the benefits of good relationships at work is strong - positive workplace relationships can increase our satisfaction and engagement at work and having a work ‘bestie’ can even protect us from burnout.
I have worked with many clients who despite spending most of their days in back to back meetings feel isolated and even lonely, and I know that I’ve felt this too. We may feel self-doubt or uncertainty and being ‘professional’ can feel like a bit of a performance sometimes, leaving little room for genuine vulnerability or connection, even when we know those things help us to thrive.
Groups can offer us a counterbalance to this, when thoughtfully facilitated, they create environments where people can connect meaningfully, speak honestly and feel truly seen. Research shows that group coaching can provide an environment for action and change where we can experience increased meaning, positive emotion and self-awareness (Nacif, 2021). Peer‑mentoring programmes can enable authenticity, vulnerability and build group norms that encourage open sharing and belonging (Laird, 2024).
I have witnessed firsthand how normalising and validating it is when people share their experiences with peers. The group can help people to reframe challenges, gain perspective and new approaches and recognise strengths they may miss in themselves.
Ultimately, being at work will always bring pressure, uncertainty and moments of self-doubt — but when we can find places where we feel connected and understood — even briefly — work doesn’t have to feel lonely.
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I used AI-assisted tools to support the editing process for this blog, particularly for tone, structure, and clarity.
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