Yesterday (dot #3586), I wrote about what I thought was a creative venue for a fundraiser — using an airport runway. As it turns out, not only is that “a thing” but there are groups of people who seek out these types of runs and are self-professed “runway junkies.” I met one such runner, Carol, after the event in town; she drove three hours to participate in what was her 35th runway event!
Carol was a good reminder that there are likely others who share your interests — whatever they may be — and cultivating those affinity groups can be a benefit both inside and outside the workplace. Many organizations are now sponsoring Employee Resource Groups/Employee Resource Networks for people to share their experiences. Some examples include groups based on ethnicity or culture, those with military connections, LGBTQIA groups, STEM networks, women leaders or women in male-dominated industries, or those working with a dimension of disability. The groups may not swap t-shirts as the runway runners do, but the network provides a forum to discuss challenges and raise awareness of issues facing its members.
Having a sense of belonging is essential to our happiness and resource groups or shared hobbies are easy ways to foster those initial connections. Even if it’s running a runway, you don’t have to do it alone.
