How to Make People Feel They Belong With 1 Word

A simple shift in language that strengthens connection at work and home.

TIn a world where more people feel alone in a crowd than ever before, creating true belonging has become a rare and urgent need.

At work alone, 72 percent of global employees experience a sense of disconnection at least once a month, according to my research. And it’s not just distance or time zones that divide us. Generational gaps, life stages, back-to-back meetings, and even well-meaning policies can unintentionally wedge us further apart.

Famed American psychologist Abraham Maslow named “belonging” as one of our core human needs as part of his Hierarchy of Needs. That means belonging ranks right up there with food and safety. It’s essential, not extra. And according to Harvard’s 80+ year study on adult development, the greatest predictor of health and happiness isn’t wealth or achievement; it’s social connection.

Whether our fast-paced, independent culture reflects it or not, we are wired to belong.

Belongingness is defined as the human emotional need to be an accepted member of a group. It’s not just being invited to a party or meeting; it’s knowing you’re wanted.

Still, cultivating belonging at home or at work can feel daunting. Where do you even begin?

As a dad of three kids, I stumbled into an unexpectedly powerful (yet simple) way to give someone that feeling of belonging. One word changed everything.

Recently, my son made a mistake and told a lie. The parenting script in my head said, “Don’t lie.” But instead, something else came out: “Jenkins don’t lie.” Jenkins is our family last name, so I was pulling him into who he is and where he belongs with that one word instead of scolding or isolating him.

By simply inserting our last name, this did four things:

• Didn’t single him out. It drew him in.

• Connected him to our family’s identity.

• Aligned him with the values we try to live by.

• Reminded him that he’s part of something bigger than a single choice or moment.

It wasn’t just about correcting behavior but about anchoring him in belonging.

Today, belonging is becoming more and more important among work teams, and this same principle can apply.

According to McKinsey & Company’s recent Great Attrition research, a lack of belonging is one of the top three reasons employees cite for quitting. More than half of employees who left said they didn’t feel like they belonged.

We often underestimate how powerful our words can be in shaping identity. Sometimes, cultivating belonging starts with a single word.

3 Steps to Cultivate Belonging With One Word

1. Give your team a name.

Names create identity, and a team without a name is just a group of people sharing a Slack channel. A name gives the group shape and meaning.

Maybe your team is called “The Client Champions” or “Team Innovate” or simply “Team IT.” Whatever it is, let it be something people can rally behind.

2. Use the name consistently.

When addressing your team, insert the name. It signals identity and reinforces shared values. Examples might be:

• “Team IT shows up prepared.”

• “Team IT supports one another.”

• “Team IT respects different perspectives.”

• “Team IT celebrates every win, big or small.”

Each time you say it, you’re reminding them they’re part of something.

3. Anchor behavior to identity, not just rules.

When correcting or redirecting a teammate, try: “That’s not the Team IT way,” or “Let’s remember how Team IT handles tough moments.” It shifts the focus from an individual mistake to a shared identity. That subtle shift keeps people connected instead of isolated.

If this feels forced or awkward, it might reveal a deeper disconnect. If the team name doesn’t resonate or the values aren’t clear, you may have an identity issue, not just a language issue. But even then, that realization is a helpful one. It opens the door for conversation, clarity, and reconnection.

We don’t have to overhaul culture overnight to create belonging. Sometimes, all it takes is one intentional word. One name. One reminder that says: You’re part of something here.

As a belonging keynote speaker and team connection expert, Ryan Jenkins helps companies strengthen multigenerational teams and cultures through human connection. If you’d like help building Connectable teams and cultures, click here.