A workplace should be more than a place for completing tasks; it should also be a space where people connect, grow, and find purpose. A thoughtfully developed workplace community can meet these needs, enriching the employee experience. However, creating workplace communities requires a strategic approach to ensure they resonate with team members.
This guide explores the benefits of workplace communities, highlights successful examples, identifies common mistakes to avoid, and shares best practices for fostering communities that bring employees together and drive workplace satisfaction and productivity.
What defines a workplace community?
A community consists of individuals united by a common goal or interest. In everyday life, communities form naturally, such as local neighbourhoods or groups of people who share similar experiences or goals, like students studying abroad or female entrepreneurs. Similarly, workplace communities can develop to enhance employee engagement, provide support, and foster a sense of belonging.
Examples of workplace communities
- Corporate change-makers
Some companies encourage groups of employees to come together as corporate change-makers, focusing on positive initiatives like sustainability and innovative problem-solving. This type of community allows employees to drive meaningful change while supporting company goals. - Learning communities
Many employees seek growth opportunities at work. Learning communities can fulfil these aspirations, enabling employees to share knowledge, learn new skills, and even attend workshops or conferences, creating a mutual benefit for individuals and the organisation. - Employee resource groups (ERGs)
ERGs cater to employees with specific interests or needs, such as mental health support, parental support, or diversity and inclusion advocacy. Around 90% of Fortune 500 companies now support ERGs, recognizing their value in fostering workplace inclusivity.
The benefits of workplace communities
For employees:
- Sense of belonging
Shared interests and goals foster a sense of community and belonging, making employees feel valued and connected. - Personal fulfilment
Being part of a workplace community allows employees to contribute to a shared purpose, enhancing job satisfaction. - Enhanced collaboration
Employees who feel connected are often more collaborative and supportive, improving organisational teamwork. - Learning and growth
Communities provide opportunities for employees to learn from each other, boosting personal and professional growth.
For organisations:
- Increased engagement
A strong sense of community promotes engagement, as employees feel more motivated and aligned with the organisation’s goals. - Employee retention
Employees who feel part of a community are more likely to stay with their organisation, enhancing retention and loyalty. - Higher morale and satisfaction
Workplace communities foster a supportive environment, boosting morale and overall job satisfaction. - Encouragement of innovation
Communities encourage interaction among diverse groups, sparking creativity and innovation. - Stronger corporate culture
Communities reflect corporate values and strengthen the culture by aligning with the organisation’s vision and goals.
Best practices for building a workplace community
- Take a people-centred approach
Avoid generic communities that may not resonate with your employees. Understand their interests and values to create communities that they find meaningful and appealing. - Involve employees in community creation
Give employees the chance to suggest and vote on community initiatives. When they have a say, employees are more likely to feel invested and participate actively. - Encourage employee-driven communities
Empower employees to form their communities. This bottom-up approach builds trust in employees’ initiatives and creates authentic engagement. - Clearly define each community’s purpose
Each community should have a clear purpose that resonates with employees. Communicate the community’s goals and the benefits it offers to encourage participation. - Align communities with corporate values
Communities should reflect your organisation’s values to reinforce authenticity and build employee trust. A growth-focused community may be a natural fit if empowerment is a core value. - Celebrate community achievements
Share stories and milestones from each community, inspiring others and reinforcing the community’s positive impact on the workplace. - Provide support and resources
Make sure each community has the resources and space needed to thrive. Actively supporting these groups signals your commitment to a people-centric workplace.
Avoid these common mistakes
- Don’t force participation
Employees should feel free to join communities voluntarily, not pressured into them. Genuine engagement is critical to a community’s success. - Remember remote and hybrid teams
Workplace communities should cater to remote and on-site staff, especially given the rise of hybrid work models. - Don’t overlook corporate values
A community that aligns with corporate culture strengthens the company’s values. Disregarding this alignment can lead to disconnection and lack of engagement.
Transforming your organisation through workplace communities
Developing workplace communities can be a powerful strategy to boost employee happiness, belonging, and productivity. These communities build strong connections and support teamwork, engagement, and talent retention. With the right approach, your organisation can harness the power of workplace communities to create a dynamic, inclusive culture that drives long-term success.For more information on building workplace communities and tools to support your team, explore how deskbird can help streamline your workplace management and enhance employee connection.
You can meet deskbird in person at The Office Event where they’ll be exhibiting. The Office Event is a unique and timely trade show with free-to-attend content that offers a one-stop-shop for organisations who are rethinking their approach to workplace design, workplace experience and facilities management. Now in its second year, The Office will take place on 30th April and 1st May 2025, at ExCel in London. Co-located with The Watercooler Event for the full 360-degree workplace culture and employee wellbeing experience. You can find out more here.
You might also like:
