In today’s business landscape, the idea of creating a “community” within a company is slowly gaining traction—but what does that really mean?
Beyond kumbaya, trust falls, team-building exercises and surface-level camaraderie, building a true community in the workplace involves fostering deep, meaningful connections among employees and creating a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
When a company operates as a community, it impacts not just the day-to-day experience of work but also the organization’s overall success.
Let’s explore what being a community looks like, the traits that define a healthy, community-driven company or organization, how leadership should act, and how employees feel when they’re part of something bigger.
What Does It Look Like to Be a Community?
In a community-driven company, employees are more than just coworkers—they’re contributors to a shared vision. This type of environment encourages collaboration, openness, and trust. Everyone knows they are part of something meaningful, and they are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work. Here are some hallmarks of a workplace that operates as a true community:
Shared Purpose and Values: The company has a clear mission that is created, understood, and articulated by everyone. Employees know why the company exists, what it stands for, and how their work contributes to the larger picture. This shared sense of purpose drives connection and motivates people to work toward collective success.
Inclusive Relationships: In a community, everyone is treated as an integral part of the whole. Employees across all levels, departments, and backgrounds feel a sense of belonging. This inclusivity doesn’t just happen during official work hours; it’s woven into every interaction, from team meetings to informal conversations.
Supportive Environment: Communities thrive on mutual support where mutual plenty is shared in every direction . A community-oriented business recognizes that employees need both personal and professional support to excel. Leaders and peers are proactive in offering help, whether it's through mentoring, resources, or simply offering a listening ear during tough times. Relationships are a two-way street in these types of environments.
Active Collaboration: True communities don’t operate in silos. Departments, teams, and individuals collaborate across functions, sharing insights and leveraging diverse skill sets to solve problems. Decision-making is more democratic, and people feel empowered to contribute their ideas, knowing they will be taken seriously.
Accountability to Each Other: In a workplace community, accountability doesn’t just come from managers—it comes from peers. Employees feel responsible to one another, upholding high standards of work and integrity because they don’t want to let their colleagues down and they like working together.
Traits of a Healthy, Community-Oriented Business
Community-driven businesses have specific traits that distinguish them from companies that focus solely on hierarchy or transactions. These traits foster a culture of belonging, personal investment, and long-term commitment:
Empathy: A community-centered company understands that its people are human beings first. Leaders and employees alike practice empathy, recognizing that everyone has personal challenges and triumphs. This allows for a culture of care, where people look out for each other’s wellbeing.
Continuous Development: Communities thrive when their members grow. In a business setting, this means providing opportunities for personal and professional development. Employees are encouraged to build new skills, take on new challenges, and pursue their career goals within the company.
Recognition and Celebration: Achievements—big or small—are celebrated together. Whether it’s hitting company-wide goals or individual milestones, community-oriented businesses make it a point to recognize and appreciate the contributions of everyone involved.
Adaptability: Communities evolve as the needs of their members change, and so do companies that prioritize community. These businesses are adaptable, open to new ideas, and flexible in how they approach problems, allowing them to grow sustainably.
Building Community Starts with You
Creating a true community at work is not just about policies or strategies - it’s about people coming together with shared purpose, trust, and care for one another. It starts with authentic leadership but flourishes when everyone gets involved. Imagine a workplace where ideas are freely shared, where people lift each other up during challenges, and where collaboration feels natural because everyone is genuinely invested in the success of the whole.
And here’s the best part: You can help build that. Whether you’re leading the charge from the C-suite or bringing your authentic self to your team, your actions have the power to transform your workplace into a thriving community.
So, go ahead - take that extra moment to listen, to support, and to collaborate. Celebrate the wins, big or small. And remember, when a workplace becomes a true community, it’s not just about doing great work - it’s about doing it together.
Now that’s a team worth being part of!
I believe in you!
Kevin Eastway
Stay Tunes for the Next Four Topics Series:
Why Should Leaders Foster Communities of Care?
How Can C-Suite Leaders Foster Communities of Care?
Why Should C-Suite Leaders Steward Their Organizational Community?
How Can C-Suite Leaders Steward Their Community Effectively?