By Ryan Hecht, Director of Marketing, Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce
Belonging is at the heart of the Greater Arvada Chamber’s core values and is central to our work to advance all businesses and employees in the Arvada area. We know that fostering a sense of belonging isn’t just good for employees — it’s essential for thriving businesses and a resilient community.
The Colorado Health Institute (CHI) recently partnered with Over Zero to measure belonging by capturing its multifaceted nature, such as whether people feel they have a voice, are socially connected, and are welcomed and included. The 2024 Colorado Belonging Barometer highlights how Coloradans experience belonging and the opportunities we have to improve it at work.
Key Findings
- 67.9% of Coloradans feel they belong in their workplace — higher than national trends.
- However, over a third of Coloradans reported ambivalence about their workplace belonging, meaning they don’t clearly feel included or excluded.
- Factors like social connection, psychological safety, and having a voice are critical to feeling that you belong.
Strategies for Businesses to Foster Belonging
Create Safe Spaces for Authenticity
Employees need to feel they can be their full selves. Encourage open dialogue, celebrate diverse perspectives, and model inclusive leadership. Learn more.
Prioritize Connection
Support casual interactions and team-building opportunities. As seen in the report, meaningful day-to-day connections (like friendly conversations or helping a coworker) build deep ties. Learn more.
Assess and Act on Employee Feedback
Regularly measure how your employees perceive belonging. Use surveys, listening sessions, and follow-through on feedback to show you value their voice. Learn more.
Rethink Work Settings
Those who work primarily outside the home reported the strongest sense of belonging. For hybrid and remote teams, create intentional opportunities for connection, such as virtual socials or regular in-person gatherings. Learn more.
Address Barriers
Recognize that demographics such as income, education, and even work-from-home status can influence feelings of belonging. Tailor support and benefits to meet a range of employee needs. Learn more.
4 Common Experiences that Undermine Belonging
The Chamber’s Inclusion & Belonging KAPS Council identified several challenges employees often face and recommended employer responses.
1. Being a parent without flexible work options
Response: Use tools like Doodle polls to schedule meetings during standard business hours, supporting parents and caregivers.
2. Socio-economic differences impacting participation or comfort
Response: Never assume all employees have the same experiences with money or resources. Design inclusive activities and benefits such as financial planning workshops.
3. Differences in salary and perceived value
Response: Encourage open conversations about salary fairness and conduct regular compensation assessments to address gaps.
4. The removal of virtual meeting options limiting access or flexibility
Response: Retain virtual meeting options when possible to ensure more inclusive participation for hybrid or remote employees.
Take the Inclusive Workplace Pledge
By making a commitment and signing the Greater Arvada Chamber Inclusive Workplace Pledge, you commit to being an ally in creating a diverse, inclusive, and safe space for all people in the community. Take the pledge and view our Inclusion Committed Workplaces!
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