Creating Places to Belong
The Value of Culture & Connection
Kimball International partnered with Ipsos, a global leader in market research, and Arigami, a distinguished interdisciplinary research team, to study how sensory design and furniture can make people feel like they belong.
Experts from Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, and other top schools led the research, which was carried out by a team with diverse skills in behavioral science, neuroaesthetics, and creative design innovation.
Belonging is Valuable
Loved by Companies
High belonging is linked to:
56%
increase in job performance
50%
drop in
turnover risk
75%
reduction in
sick days
Desired by People
94%
of respondents emphasized the importance of belonging in the workplace.
Designing a Culture of Belonging
The workplace is undergoing a transformative shift. At Kimball International, we’re committed to helping businesses embrace this evolution by recognizing the power that place has for nurturing a stronger sense of belonging—a proven catalyst for organizational success. Shaping a sense of belonging in the workplace involves recognizing the role of company culture, addressing the fundamental human needs of connection, community, comfort, and choice, and factoring in purposeful design strategies. Together, these elements form a cohesive framework that influences not just how employees feel but also how they perform. By harmonizing these elements, we can foster a workplace where everyone can thrive.
Understanding Your Culture
Culture is the invisible thread that weaves through every interaction, decision, and space within an organization. Company culture is intricately linked to the sense of belonging, with five distinct culture types influencing how it is nurtured. The ability to translate culture through tangible space design can significantly enhance employees' sense of belonging.
Designing for Human Needs
In today's dynamic landscape, the concept of the workday is being reinvented. Workplaces are transforming into lively, inviting centers that prioritize a sense of belonging by meeting key human needs: connection, community, comfort, and choice. Through thoughtful design, we create spaces that make work a destination of choice.
The freedom to choose our work environment is directly linked to improved performance, creativity, and engagement, fueling happiness and productivity. Our research has led to the development of six distinct space types that cater to the evolving needs and workstyles of employees, nurturing their sense of belonging.
