Small Gestures That Create Belonging
Last week, I attended a large work-related lunch in a banquet hall filled with round tables draped in white tablecloths.
As I arrived, a new friend—someone I’d met just a few weeks earlier at another event—rushed over to greet me.
“I saved you a seat!
There’s someone at our table I can’t wait for you to meet.”
This small, simple gesture was so thoughtful.
It led me to reflect. . .
What other small but impactful actions help people feel truly welcomed?
The daily opportunities we have to save someone a metaphorical seat—whether at work, in our communities, or in our personal lives.
For example:
Introducing ourselves to someone new.
Connecting a new employee with more seasoned team members.
Dropping off a “welcome to the neighborhood” note or plate of cookies for new neighbors.
Offering directions to someone who looks lost.
Many organizations also build welcoming moments into their culture:
A “buddy system” where new employees are paired with a seasoned colleague (who isn’t their manager).
A welcome kit for new hires on their first day.
A handwritten welcome note, signed by all team members, for every new employee on their first day.
As we approach International Women’s Day, it’s a great time to reflect on how we create spaces where everyone feels welcomed.
