{"id":25724,"date":"2025-09-16T08:00:22","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T12:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/doinglifetogether\/?p=25724"},"modified":"2025-09-06T13:09:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-06T17:09:12","slug":"you-matter-but-do-you-really-feel-that-way-at-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/doinglifetogether\/2025\/09\/you-matter-but-do-you-really-feel-that-way-at-work.html","title":{"rendered":"You Matter\u2014But Do You Really Feel That Way at Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

At my university, we have a campaign called\u00a0\u201cYou Matter.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0It\u2019s a nice idea, but it doesn\u2019t really get to the heart of the issue. A quarterly shout-out from a random system isn\u2019t people-centric. Still, the concept is important, because many of us quietly ask,\u00a0\u201cDo I really matter to my workplace?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Too often, the answer feels like\u00a0no.<\/em>\u00a0Many employees feel replaceable. Wisdom, experience, and quality aren\u2019t always valued; instead, younger and cheaper talent frequently steps in. That leaves seasoned workers wondering whether their contributions are truly appreciated.<\/p>\n

So, what would it take for a company\u2014or any institution\u2014to make you feel like you truly matter? And why does that matter so much?<\/p>\n

The answer lies in a basic human need: to be seen, heard, and valued. Workplaces are no exception. We long to know that our role has significance, that what we do makes a difference to the group, the mission, or the product being built. When we feel we matter, we stay, we thrive, and we\u2019re more productive. That\u2019s why mattering is directly tied to employee retention.<\/p>\n

I recently spoke with a young woman who left her job for one that paid less. Why? No one valued her work. Her contributions were overlooked, even though she provided an essential service. That lack of recognition outweighed the paycheck.<\/p>\n

She isn\u2019t alone. A January 2025 Gallup poll found that employee engagement is at a 10-year low. Why? Because people don\u2019t feel cared about\u2014they feel invisible. Many of us carry the quiet belief that if we walked out tomorrow, no one would notice. And when you believe you\u2019re replaceable, your behavior eventually reflects it. You disengage.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s the truth:\u00a0mattering goes deeper than being noticed.<\/em>\u00a0It\u2019s about deliberate recognition. It\u2019s pausing to affirm someone for who they are and for the difference they make. Small gestures\u2014like a genuine\u00a0\u201cThank you\u201d<\/em>\u00a0or\u00a0\u201cGreat job\u201d<\/em>\u2014carry enormous weight.<\/p>\n

Even more powerful are statements like,\u00a0\u201cIf it wasn\u2019t for you\u2026\u201d<\/em>\u00a0or\u00a0\u201cWe couldn\u2019t have done this without you.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0These affirm not just effort, but impact. They help employees connect their daily work to a larger purpose, and that connection inspires loyalty.<\/p>\n

In a time of rising disengagement, workplaces have an opportunity to become places of connection, purpose, and belonging. But it won\u2019t happen by accident. This is a leadership issue. Leaders who are intentional about cultivating a culture of mattering will keep employees who are not only more satisfied but more invested.<\/p>\n

And there\u2019s a deeper layer too: mattering is spiritual. Even when the workplace overlooks me, I know I matter to God. Scripture is clear\u2014our value is anchored in Him. So while I may not always feel recognized by my employer, I am affirmed by the One who matters most. That assurance changes everything. Whatever I do, I do as unto the Lord.<\/p>\n

Still, it sure would be nice to experience a little more\u00a0mattering<\/em>\u00a0on this side of heaven.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

At my university, we have a campaign called\u00a0\u201cYou Matter.\u201d\u00a0It\u2019s a nice idea, but it doesn\u2019t really get to the heart of the issue. A quarterly shout-out from a random system isn\u2019t people-centric. Still, the concept is important, because many of us quietly ask,\u00a0\u201cDo I really matter to my workplace?\u201d Too often, the answer feels like\u00a0no.\u00a0Many…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":419,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1057],"tags":[3751,9224,9221,9230,1060,9227,1099],"class_list":["post-25724","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-work-relationships","tag-affirmation","tag-matter","tag-mattering","tag-valued-at-work","tag-work-relationships-2","tag-work-retention","tag-workplace"],"yoast_head":"\nYou Matter\u2014But Do You Really Feel That Way at Work?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What would it take for a company\u2014or any institution\u2014to make you feel like you truly matter? 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