People say they have a stronger sense of belonging at work, but daily experience still limited

A growing number of UK employees say they feel a stronger sense of belonging at work, although only a minority experience it consistently on a day-to-day basis, according to new research from Procter & Gamble UK. The survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 82 percent of workers now say they feel a sense of belonging in the workplace, which P&G claims is the highest level recorded in more than a decade. However, only 20 percent said they consistently experience the conditions that make them feel they truly belong at work.

The findings suggest that workplace culture and inclusion continue to play an increasingly important role in recruitment and retention strategies. Three quarters of respondents said they would stay with a company for years if they felt valued, while 73 percent said they would remain longer where they experienced a genuine sense of belonging. Nearly six in ten respondents said they would leave a job where they did not feel part of a team.

The research also explored how workers define belonging. Across all age groups, the most common factors were feeling respected by colleagues, being accepted for who they are, not feeling like an outsider and feeling that their opinions matter. More than a third also linked belonging to fair treatment regardless of background.

Smaller day-to-day interactions were also highlighted, with 10 percent saying a sense of belonging could come from simple acts such as colleagues remembering how they take their tea or coffee.

The study identified differences between generations in how belonging is experienced at work. Gen Z respondents were more likely to associate belonging with career development, recognition and wellbeing support, while Millennials placed greater emphasis on fairness and having their opinions heard. Gen X workers most commonly associated belonging with respect, while Baby Boomers were more likely than other groups to define it as not feeling like an outsider.