Belonging often shows up quietly at work—through the people who notice, care, and bring others together. But when culture work gets tied to personality, the same people end up carrying the load. What if belonging wasn’t about who it comes naturally to, but about who’s willing to grow?

This New Year reflection invites you to rethink what real change requires. Instead of chasing quick fixes or bursts of motivation, it explores why endurance—the ability to stay committed over time—is the true driver of healthy workplace culture. With new data on burnout and practical insights for leaders, this piece offers a powerful reminder: strong cultures aren’t built in moments, but in the steady practice of showing up every day.

Change doesn’t always ask for action—sometimes it asks for stillness. As the year closes, it’s easy to get swept up in motion, but real growth comes from being grounded. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a practice that steadies us, connects us, and helps us lead with clarity when everything else is moving. When we stay rooted in what matters, we create space for people—and possibility—to grow.

Culture doesn’t collapse overnight—it fades through neglect. A survey, a retreat or a kickoff might spark excitement, but without follow-through, the energy disappears. Real culture change happens in the ordinary moments: how we run meetings, share opportunities, or handle tension. When teams treat culture as a daily practice—not a yearly event—they build alignment, trust and belonging that lasts.

Belonging isn’t easy. If it were, every workplace would already be thriving. Instead, most organizations find themselves pulled between what can feel like opposites: autonomy versus connection, stability versus change, competition versus cooperation. These aren’t signs of dysfunction; they’re the natural tensions of being human together at work. If you learn to work through the tension, you can unlock growth and make room for real belonging.

Every leader is chasing the same goal: the Road Most Desired—a path to great solutions, engaged talent, a strong culture and a clear competitive edge. But reaching it requires more than strategy; it demands a culture where people feel they truly belong. When employees feel seen, safe and valued, they stay—and when they stay, organizations thrive. Belonging isn’t just the key to retention—it’s the gateway to everything leaders hope to build.