Colleen Werner, the Founder + CEO of lulafit, is transforming office buildings with amenity consulting and management. She believes that the concept of belonging is shaping professional lives more than ever before, with employees seeking purpose and community in their work. Studies have shown that the need to belong is a fundamental human motivation, impacting mental health, emotional well-being, academic success, and future employment prospects.
To cultivate a sense of purpose for employees, businesses can align their company culture and mission with purpose-driven work, emphasizing values beyond profit. Encouraging employees to engage in environmental, social, and governance initiatives or charity work can also foster a sense of belonging grounded in shared values and purpose. Creating opportunities for employees to make a difference outside their daily roles can lead to a more engaged and connected workforce.
In order for office spaces to stay relevant, building owners must provide employees with the space to embrace camaraderie and drive impact. The way employees use the office has changed dramatically in recent years, with people working together using a variety of virtual tools as much as they do in person. Employers must consider the many different types of work postures employees go through throughout the day and ensure that the physical office supports focused work and collaborative teamwork.
Creating avenues for genuine connection is essential in our current work environment, which often leaves individuals feeling isolated. Beyond the mandates to return to physical office spaces, the focus should be on creating environments that meet professional needs while also giving people a sense of purpose and the opportunity to contribute to something meaningful. By doing so, businesses can unlock the potential for a deeply engaged and committed workforce that is driven by a shared purpose.
