A sense of belonging is a fundamental need—a core part of what makes us all human. It gives us deep, meaningful connections with others, supports our physical and emotional health and helps us to better cope with the inevitable ups and downs of life and business.
In our businesses, belonging allows our people to feel accepted, supported and comfortable being their authentic selves. This increases engagement, productivity, creativity and overall well-being, and ultimately, impacts our success by improving retention, reducing absenteeism and fostering a positive culture.
Essentially, when people feel like they belong, they are more likely to be motivated, perform better and stay longer. Here’s a closer look at why belonging matters so much:
- A sense of belonging contributes to positive mental health and reduces stress, as people feel supported and not isolated.
- When people feel valued and accepted, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and perform at their best.
- Feeling comfortable to share ideas and perspectives without fear of judgment fosters a more innovative and inclusive environment.
- When people feel like they belong, they are more likely to collaborate effectively and support each other.
- A strong sense of belonging can attract top talent and encourage team members to stay with the company longer.
- Fostering belonging across the organization creates a more inclusive and positive work environment.
At NAWBO, belonging is an important part of our diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEI&B) mission. We are committed to ensuring we are not only the most diverse, equitable and inclusive organization for women business owners, but that we are also creating and cultivating a culture in which every woman feels like she is welcomed, included and celebrated…like she truly belongs.
We measure this through our annual organization-wide DEI&B survey. Last year, this survey told us that more than 80% of our members feel they belong with NAWBO, which was slightly up from the year prior. It also informed us that over 75% felt respected by their NAWBO peers, and 80% felt they could be their authentic selves at NAWBO.
As we prepare to launch our 2024 DEI&B survey in coming weeks, we are excited to see how we’ve made progress against these and other benchmarks. If you are a current NAWBO member, please be on the lookout for this survey and take a moment to have your voice heard by our national organization as well as your local chapter leadership.
Speaking of membership, I’d like to close with two opportunities to experience NAWBO belonging and save right now. Registration is open for our 50th anniversary event in June 2025 in Washington, DC. Don’t miss it—without a national conference in 2024, this one amazing milestone event in 2025 is your only chance to be together in-person with current NAWBO sisters as well as 50 years of trailblazing NAWBO women. Through the end of October, we’re offering our best-ever savings, so get your ticket here.
Also, our Fall Membership Campaign is in full swing through November 30th, and it’s been so exciting to welcome diverse and inspiring new women—of all industries and stages of business growth—into our NAWBO community. Our time is now to lift up one another and to reach back and bring up the next generation of women business owners. If you aren’t yet a member, join us here. If you are, THANK YOU and please keep sharing your personal NAWBO story.
Mahalo, and I hope to see you belonging with NAWBO!
