Wicked Good Workplace Lessons from Oz: Create a Culture of Belonging and Success
The production of Wicked the movie is a marvel of artistry, determination, and collaboration. In an era of computer-generated animation, the two-year ambitious journey to transform off-screen magic into on-screen reality was an ambitious vision and staggering effort. Every detail was crafted with care, from the 200+ hours devoted to creating Glinda’s iconic bubble dress to planting nine million tulips for the Munchkinland set.
But beyond the technical achievements and all out grit, the true magic happened behind the scenes. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the film’s stars, playing Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, spent hours each day rehearsing, singing live, and even performing their own stunts. Cynthia even endured a four-hour daily transformation to become Elphaba! Just hearing about the cast and crew’s grueling schedules and long hours could make anyone feel burnt out – but amidst it all, they found belonging.
The team bonded over their intense schedules, leading to beautiful, meaningful connections both on and off-screen. Cynthia and Ariana got multiple matching tattoos and showed us their genuine respect and love for one another through their heartfelt interviews. These two went into production as individuals with a childhood dream of being on Wicked, and left as best friends and sisters.
What does this have to do with the workplace? Everything.
The Power of Belonging in the Workplace
Like the world of Oz, the modern workplace often demands extraordinary effort from its people. After all, we spend as much if not more time with our co-workers as our loved ones. And we also bring everything ‘off-set’ to work with us every day. And yet, as Wicked shows, even the most challenging environments — that often lead to burnout — can simultaneously foster a sense of community and purpose.
Burnout isn’t just an individual issue; it’s a systemic one. For employee benefit leaders, the stakes are high: disengaged employees cost organizations billions annually in lost productivity, turnover, and healthcare expenses. But belonging can be a powerful antidote. Research consistently shows that fostering a sense of community in the workplace improves collaboration, communication, and overall job satisfaction.
To create this sense of belonging and community in the workplace, employees must develop a sense of pride in everything they are doing. It’s the culture opposite of “punching in the clock.” It’s about creating an understanding for and appreciation of the person that shows up, each and every day, and finding magic in each individual’s uniqueness. It's about being proud of your cog in the well-oiled machine, while also respecting that every cog is different – and without each cog, the machine won’t run successfully, and can quickly grind to a halt.
Building Belonging and Community in the Workplace
Belonging is more than just a feel-good concept; it’s a critical driver of workplace success. Employees who feel connected, valued, and supported unlock their potential and contribute more meaningfully to the organization. And turning burnout into belonging requires more than just words; it demands intentional action. So, where to start?
Cultivate Trust: Be transparent and authentic in communication. Employees are more likely to invest in their work when they trust their leaders and the organization’s vision.
Prioritize Inclusion: Ensure every employee feels seen, heard, and valued. This starts with leadership modeling inclusive behaviors and extends to creating equitable policies and practices. Celebrate the uniqueness of each individual’s set of challenges and ensure employees feel welcome and safe.
Create Support Systems: Establish mentorship programs, employee resource groups, and peer-to-peer networks that give employees access to guidance and camaraderie.
Invest in All-Around Well-Being: Recognize that how employees show up at work is a reflection of a universe of personal challenges that we all face on a daily basis. Make sure the person that shows up at the workplace feels cared for and supported – no matter what they’re going through – with benefits that address their holistic needs.
A New Vision for Employee Benefits
The story of Wicked reminds us that people are the heart of any endeavor. By fostering belonging, organizations can transform the workplace into a space where individuals feel valued for who they are, supported in times of greatest need and are inspired to do their best. For benefit buyers, this means rethinking programs and policies to prioritize not just productivity but also connection and care.
The result? A workplace where burnout gives way to belonging – and where the magic of collaboration leads to extraordinary outcomes. Just like the world of Oz, your organization can become a place where every individual feels at home.