Hit the Reset Button on Belonging at Work with Dr. Beth Kaplan

The Leadership Habit

Belonging isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of a thriving workplace. In the latest episode of The Leadership Habit Podcast, Jenn DeWall sat down with Dr. Beth Kaplan, researcher, storyteller, and author of the upcoming book Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point. Together, they explore what belonging means, why it matters, and how leaders can reset their approach to cultivating it in their organizations.

Meet Dr. Beth Kaplan

Dr. Beth Kaplan is a researcher and storyteller passionate about the power of belonging in the workplace. She has an M.S.Ed and Ed.D in Learning and Leadership Strategy from The University of Pennsylvania, where she researched workplace trauma and belonging.

She is a global head for leader development who delivers innovative programs to empower leaders at every level. She was also responsible for launching the leadership development initiative at Salesforce to improve retention and culture and ensure organizational success.

She is also the author of the upcoming book Braving the Workplace, in which she lays out a framework for companies to change the narrative around belonging, focus on mental health, and create a roadmap to solve critical challenges in the workplace today.

The Need for Belonging in the Workplace

Dr. Kaplan defines belonging as “the innate desire to be part of something larger than ourselves without sacrificing who we are.” She differentiates it from diversity and inclusion, noting, “Belonging is something you decide for yourself. No one can tell you that you belong if you’re not feeling it.”

In today’s dynamic workplaces, employees often determine whether they feel like they belong within the first seven seconds. Dr. Kaplan explains, “People are constantly negotiating, ‘Who am I?’ and ‘Where do I fit?’” This quick judgment impacts mental and even physical health, as feelings of exclusion trigger what Dr. Kaplan calls a “neural alarm clock,” manifesting in stress and disengagement.

Why Belonging Matters for Teams and Organizations

The benefits of belonging are undeniable. Employees who feel a sense of connection are more productive, take fewer sick days, and exhibit higher engagement. Yet, a recent Gallup study reveals that only two out of ten employees feel engaged at work—a statistic Dr. Kaplan attributes partly to a lack of belonging.

“People want care from their leaders,” Dr. Kaplan notes. “Care can be as simple as consistency, kindness, and thoughtfulness.” She underscores that belonging begins with understanding individual needs and values, creating an environment where employees can thrive without sacrificing authenticity.

Practical Steps for Leaders

Belonging is a two-way street. Leaders need to take proactive steps to foster connection, and employees must also take responsibility for identifying their values. Dr. Kaplan suggests:

• Start with values: Employees should pinpoint three to five values that guide their decisions.
• Communicate consistently: Leaders must prioritize regular check-ins and ask thoughtful questions like, “What do you need to succeed?”
• Establish clear boundaries: Dr. Kaplan highlights the importance of setting boundaries, noting, “Boundaries are for you, not for others. You enforce them by holding yourself accountable.”

A Final Thought on Belonging

Dr. Kaplan encourages everyone to prioritize self-awareness. “You can’t belong to something else until you learn to belong to yourself,” she reminds us. Belonging starts within and radiates outward, creating stronger, more connected workplaces.

Where to Find More from Dr. Beth Kaplan

• Pre-order her book: Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point is available for pre-order on Amazon.
• Connect with her on LinkedIn: Dr. Kaplan regularly shares insights on belonging and leadership.
• Subscribe to her newsletter: Sign up for Belonging and Work at drbethkaplan.com.

Want to create a culture of belonging in your organization? Crestcom can help! Request a complimentary leadership workshop to learn actionable tactics that improve communication, trust, and teamwork. Visit crestcom.com/freeworkshop to find out more today!

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