Create a Culture of Belonging
Today’s workforce wants more than just a paycheck. They want to feel safe, respected, and included. In behavioral health, where emotional labor is high, workplace culture and belonging are directly tied to retention.
When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they’re more likely to stay and thrive.
What Makes a Positive Workplace Culture?
A strong culture is shaped by shared values and consistent behavior, especially from leadership. According to Harvard (2023), positive culture “leads to individual workers flourishing.” That means:
- Living your stated values, not just posting them
- Addressing harmful behavior instead of ignoring it
- Prioritizing kindness, communication, and respect
Creating Psychological Safety
Psychological safety means people feel free to speak up, share ideas, and make mistakes without fear of judgment or punishment (Edmondson, 1999). It’s a foundation for belonging.
What Leaders Can Do:
- Set the stage: Acknowledge uncertainty and emphasize teamwork
- Invite participation: Ask open questions, listen actively, and show appreciation
- Respond productively: Avoid blame, follow up, and reinforce shared ownership
According to Workforce Solutions Jam (2024), agencies that promote psychological safety see lower turnover and stronger teams.
Spotlight: 4C Health
4C Health, a mental health center in rural Indiana, piloted a four-day workweek—scheduling staff for 32 hours but still paying for 40. The goal was to support current staff, not just recruit new ones. Giving employees more time to focus on their well-being improved the overall workplace culture. Staff reported less burnout and better quality of life, which also improved the care they provide. Productivity expectations stayed the same, and the organization found ways to offset the cost. Two years in, based on data from staff, the organization has no plans to return to the 40 hour work week.
Fostering Belonging at Work
People feel they belong when they can show up as their full selves without fear. At work, this can lead to stronger engagement, creativity, and retention for your talented workforce.
What Helps:
- Recognize individual contributions: 60% of staff say this boosts belonging
- Support authenticity: Let people be themselves and speak honestly
- Include staff in decision-making
- Create opportunities for connection: Team-building, casual check-ins, peer support
Encouraging Work-Life Balance
Supporting balance is essential to everyone’s well-being. When policies and culture align, employees feel supported in and outside of work.
Strategies to Support Balance:
- Model healthy boundaries as leaders
- Offer hybrid, flexible, or part-time options
- Review benefits (e.g., caregiving supports, health coverage)
- Integrate balance goals into strategic plans and HR policies
- Hire floating staff to cover time off
- Evaluate tech and tools for usability
- Assign support staff to reduce admin burden for clinical teams
Spotlight: ANEW
ANEW Chemical Health Services in Minnesota foster a supportive workplace focused on belonging and career growth, which helped lower staff turnover. They promote wellness for both staff and clients by offering unique benefits like bringing pets to work, discounted childcare, free meals, access to acupuncturists and massages, and fun activities like summer boat rides. Staff have smaller caseloads, allowing more time for peer support and supervision. They also use open and honest communication to manage conflict. These efforts have helped attract and keep dedicated staff.
Trauma-Informed Workplace Culture
Trauma-informed workplaces center safety and respect. This means:
- Assessing the current culture
- Updating policies with staff input
- Embedding trauma awareness into training and supervision
- Tracking progress over time
Ultimately, trauma-informed approaches protect staff and clients alike and build more connected, healing organizations.
Sources
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Physician Burnout. (2017) Read article
- Edmondson, A. C. (1999). Psychological Safety and Learning Behavior in Work Teams.
- Huppert, M. (2017). What Gives Employees a Sense of Belonging at Work. LinkedIn Blog
- Indeed Employer Content Team. (2025). Effective Employee Retention Strategies. Read article
- National Academy of Medicine. (2024). National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being. View PDF
- Harvard Professional Development. (2023). Why Workplace Culture Matters. Read more
- Workforce Solutions Jam. (2024). Transforming Organizational Culture. Visit site
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