Most organizations have certain rituals, whether that means monthly staff meetings, annual retreats, quarterly team-building activities, or weekly check-ins. At a time when staffing is short and people are taking on more work, it may seem to some that these rituals are wasted time. However, they actual play a positive role:
- They provide psychological safety. They give workers a safe space to talk about issues or concerns that are troubling them, share fresh ideas and innovation ideas they have, and bond over shared experiences and feelings.
- They provide a sense of purpose. Rituals give leadership an opportunity to make sure the company’s values are clear and actionable and that everyone understands their role in the organization and its mission.
- They increase engagement. Rituals done right can be therapeutic for workers and give them a sense of belonging in the organization.