Sense of belonging is a critical component of workforce retention

Attrition of doctors from healthcare systems has reached crises levels in the US, UK, and throughout the European Union. The situation is expected to worsen—causing more harm to patients and to doctors,123 for whom burnout, moral injury, and stress related health conditions are drivers for dissatisfaction and ultimately attrition. Attrition pathways include doctors reducing hours or effort (“quiet quitting”), moving to another institution, or leaving medicine altogether. Much of the literature on workforce retention focuses on improving pay, hours, workload, and wellbeing. Though these are important issues, one of the most basic human needs—a sense of belonging—has been largely ignored.

A sense of belonging is often described as feeling valued, needed, and in alignment with the values or goals of a group or organisation.45 Belonging is distinct from but related to concepts of diversity and inclusion, and requires workplaces to intentionally welcome individuals from traditionally excluded groups …