We long to belong! Humans have evolved with the deepest desire to be part of something bigger than themselves.

It is perhaps easier to belong to a group if you look alike, speak the same language, and laugh at jokes you understand mutually. However, the same joke you are laughing to tears over may puzzle someone who is struggling to understand the reference. It’s important to keep in mind that this outsider who doesn’t look like you, who did not grow up speaking the same language or laughing at the same jokes, also wants to belong.

In response to our deep desire to belong, many try to fit in, which often leads to the opposite of their intended result – not embracing their true selves, it makes them feel even lonelier. Fitting in is very different from being our authentic selves. I will argue when companies create a conducive culture where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves (instead of fitting in), it caters to our desire to belong and creates loyalty to the workplace. A sense of loyalty and belonging has benefits beyond monetary rewards.

I will try to explain further with a personal anecdote. I was born in a small village in Bangladesh and I came to Canada for graduate studies in 2014. Some of my colleagues at Hubdoc are from India. My Hindi is far from perfect, but when I speak in Hindi with my Indian colleagues, I experience an ineffable comfort due to Hindi’s proximity to my mother tongue, Bangla. At times, I feel self-conscious when I see my English-speaking colleagues around me. I second guess myself. I question – is it rude of me to speak in Hindi in the office? I then land on a few follow-up questions: am I trying to fit in? Is my fear of being rude rooted in a desire to fit in? And do I really belong if I cannot speak in a language which brings me comfort?

This is my conviction: our diversity not only makes us richer in ideas; if cared for and nurtured well, it has the capability to instill within us with a precious sense of belonging.