Creating a sense of belonging in the workplace has never been more critical. Despite being constantly “plugged in,” many individuals – especially younger workers – report feeling isolated, unseen, and experience waves of anxiety at the thought of meeting new people. This raises an important question: How can the modern workplace become a space where people not only work, but truly feel a sense of belonging with the opportunity flourish?
In this article, Tica Masuku explores why belonging is becoming a key factor in workplace wellbeing and performance, and how thoughtful workplace design can help people thrive, particularly the next generation of talent.
The younger generation is struggling to flourish
To flourish, as defined by the Global Flourishing Study, is “to live in a state in which all aspects of a person’s life are good.” Yet, the initial findings from this longitudinal research reveal a troubling trend: young people are not flourishing at the same rates as previous generations. Mental health challenges are rising, and the sense of personal and social well-being is waning.
The workplace, as a central part of adult life, has a vital role to play in reversing this trend. But are we creating work environments that support people to flourish—or are we unintentionally contributing to the problem?
Flexibility vs. connection: A false dichotomy?
Recent research by Gallup highlights a nuanced reality: fully remote workers often experience greater emotional and mental strain than their hybrid or on-site counterparts. This further demonstrates that while remote work offers flexibility, it can also erode the spontaneous, serendipitous interactions that create trust and camaraderie.
However, simply being present in an office doesn’t guarantee connection. In fact, our own research with clients, including interviews with their employees, suggests that loneliness can feel even more pronounced in workplaces where genuine connection is lacking. In other words, the office might be busy, but people can still feel isolated if the environment doesn’t support meaningful interaction.
This insight challenges us to move beyond binary thinking. It’s not about choosing between flexibility and connection; it’s about intentionally designing environments that offer both.
The Workplace as a Catalyst for Emotional Intelligence
One of the most powerful ways to create a sense of belonging is by nurturing emotional intelligence – especially among younger workers. Gen Z, who are entering the workforce amid global uncertainty and digital saturation, need more than technical training. They need spaces that cultivate emotional resilience and interpersonal skills.
Physical workplace design can facilitate the development of emotional intelligence. Here are a few examples as a starting point:
01. Design for diverse connection styles
Not everyone connects in the same way, and the physical workplace should reflect that. Create a variety of seating arrangements to support different comfort levels and communication styles. By offering choice, you empower employees to connect in ways that feel natural to them. “Connect your way” becomes more than a slogan – it becomes a spatial reality.
02. Make Emotional intelligence tangible in training spaces
Emotional intelligence is key to great leadership. So how can your workplace physically support that learning? Consider designing training rooms that are intentionally warm, flexible, and psychologically safe. Use soft lighting to create a calm atmosphere, circular seating to encourage eye contact, writable walls for reflection exercises, and breakout zones for small-group empathy-building activities. The space itself should model the emotional intelligence it seeks to cultivate.
03. Rituals that live in the space
Rituals and rhythms are the heartbeat of belonging. Design shared spaces that invite and sustain these practices. A “recognition space” can become a living archive of appreciation, while communal areas can host morning huddles, weekly reflections, or shared meals that build trust and emotional connection. These aren’t just activities, they’re spatially anchored rituals that reinforce a culture of care.
04. Celebrate purpose in visible ways
Help employees see the impact of their work by making purpose visible in the physical environment. Create “impact walls” that showcase team achievements, customer stories, or community contributions. Use digital displays or rotating exhibits to highlight how individual efforts contribute to a larger mission. When people walk through a space that reflects their purpose, it reinforces meaning and motivates deeper engagement.
Belonging is a strategic imperative
Belonging is not a “soft” concept, it’s a strategic imperative. Teams that feel connected are more innovative, resilient, and engaged. Individuals who feel seen and valued are more likely to flourish both professionally and personally.
As we navigate the future of work, let’s not lose sight of this fundamental truth: people flourish when they belong. And when people flourish, organisations do too.
