As leaders, we spend a lot of time thinking about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Of these three important concepts, inclusion is the most elusive – both to understand and to quantify. Ultimately, inclusion is a set of practices – it is the things we do. Therefore, to measure inclusion, we must examine both how well we execute on those practices and their outcome: our employees’ feelings of belonging
Belonging is fundamental to being human. Historically, it is what has allowed us to survive and thrive as a species. Humans are innate “affiliators,” and that need to belong is programmed into us from birth. This is why belonging can spell the difference between an organization where people are disconnected and one that is inclusive and collaborative – a true community of people working together toward a common goal.