Community

The notion of community in Human Resources (HR) encapsulates a broad and evolving concept within the workplace. It signifies the interconnectedness of employees and their engagement with the organization beyond their immediate job roles.

Community engagement

• Employee Networks - HR fosters community by supporting and encouraging the formation of employee networks and resource groups. These networks provide a platform for employees to connect and support one another.

• Volunteering and Social Initiatives - Organising and promoting employee volunteering and social responsibility activities can create a sense of community within and outside the workplace.

• Inclusivity and Diversity - A thriving community in the workplace celebrates diversity. HR is instrumental in creating an inclusive environment that values different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

• Mentorship and Peer Support - HR can facilitate mentorship programmes that enable experienced employees to guide and support newer ones. This promotes a sense of community through knowledge sharing and mutual growth.

Why community is important for HR

• Employee Retention - Community-building efforts enhance employee retention. Employees who feel part of a community are more likely to stay with the organisation and contribute to its success.

• Engagement and Wellbeing - A strong sense of community positively impacts employee engagement and wellbeing. Engaged employees tend to be more productive, satisfied, and committed to the organisation.

• Diversity and Inclusion - HR is instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion, which contribute to a richer and more vibrant community in the workplace. This can lead to innovation and better problem-solving.

• Talent Attraction - A robust sense of community can be a compelling factor for attracting talent. Prospective employees are often attracted to organizations that offer a supportive and inclusive community.

• Conflict Resolution - A strong community can facilitate conflict resolution. Employees who feel part of a community are often more inclined to resolve disputes amicably and collaborate towards solutions.

  Legal and Ethical Compliance - HR must ensure that community-building initiatives comply with employment laws and ethical standards, particularly in areas related to diversity and inclusion, harassment, and discrimination.

Featured Resource

The 2026 Employee Engagement Impact Report

Terryberry surveyed 1,000 full-time U.S. employees to understand how engagement programs affect retention, motivation, and performance—and what separates effective programs from those that fall short.

Our employee engagement survey report found:

• 91% of employees agree that their workplace engagement programs would be more effective if they were better connected.
• 70% of employees with well-connected workplace engagement programs say those programs have significantly influenced them to stay at their job.
• Remote employees are nearly 20% less likely than hybrid and in-office employees to say their organization’s engagement programs work well together.
• 59% of employees experience at least one obstacle to participating in workplace engagement programs.

The report breaks down key findings across industries and work environments, with practical takeaways to help HR leaders strengthen program participation and maximize the impact of their engagement initiatives.

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How HR can build workplace community

• Communication and Engagement - HR professionals play a central role in fostering community by facilitating effective communication and engagement. Regular updates, town hall meetings, and other feedback mechanisms contribute to a strong sense of belonging among employees.

• Organisational Culture - HR sets the tone for the overall organisational culture, promoting teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect contributes to the development of a vibrant workplace community.

• Work-Life Balance - Supporting work-life balance initiatives helps employees manage their personal and professional lives, fostering a happier and more engaged community within the organisation.

In conclusion, HR professionals, by fostering community, contribute to employee retention, engagement, and wellbeing, while also promoting diversity, inclusion, and a vibrant, collaborative work environment.