10-Minute Activity for Fostering a Sense of Belonging Among Teams

Why Belonging Matters More Than Ever

The workplace of today thrives on emotional connections. A sense of belonging isn’t just a feel-good idea—it’s essential for engagement, retention, and overall team success. Employees who feel a deep sense of inclusion are more likely to contribute creatively and stay committed long-term.

Beyond the numbers, belonging creates trust and safety—giant stepping stones for collaboration and innovation. HR leaders must prioritize this fundamental need to ensure cultural alignment and team harmony.

The 10-Minute Team Belonging Activity

This activity is designed to bring teams together in a meaningful and engaging way. It gives employees a chance to share, listen, and align while feeling seen and valued. Set aside just ten minutes during the next team meeting to try it out.

• Start by encouraging every team member to share one word or phrase that captures how they’re feeling today.
• Ask a volunteer to share a brief story (2–3 minutes) about an instance in their career where they felt a true sense of belonging.
• Follow up with appreciative reflections from the rest of the group—no critiques, just positive affirmations.

How To Facilitate the Conversation

Setting the right tone is crucial. As the facilitator, express genuine interest and care to create a safe environment. Encourage openness by being vulnerable first—this sets the tone for others to share authentically.

Example conversation starter for the manager: 'Let’s take a few moments to connect as a team today. I’d love to hear one word about how you're feeling right now. Remember, every emotion has a place here.'

Reflecting on the Activity

Wrap up the activity by asking team members how they felt during this conversation. Capture insights about what made them feel seen or heard, and discuss how similar moments of connection can be infused into daily work.

• How did today’s activity make you feel more connected to the group?
• In what ways can we intentionally create moments of belonging as a team?
• Are there any ongoing practices we could adopt to keep this momentum?

Your Weekly Micro-Habit: Start Meetings With a Connection Prompt

Consistently creating connection moments builds trust and inclusivity over time. As a team, commit to starting every meeting with a short check-in question or sharing exercise related to belonging.

Prompts could include: 'What’s one thing you’re excited about outside work this week?' or 'When was the last time someone in this group made you smile?'

The Bigger Picture: Belonging Fuels Teams

By cultivating a culture of belonging, HR leaders can transform organizational relationships. Small yet intentional activities like this create trust, respect, and camaraderie. It starts with daily and weekly habits that humanize the workplace experience for everyone.

For instance, tools like Moodbit help organizations assess employee sentiment and craft responses that deepen connection, all while keeping activities simple and meaningful.