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De onzichtbare beschermers van digitale communities

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Community managers en moderators zijn de onzichtbare beschermers van digitale communities. Dagelijks nemen zij moeilijke keuzes: welke berichten verwijderen, hoe grenzen stellen tegen discriminatie, hoe een veilige ruimte creëren waar iedereen zich gehoord voelt.
Maar waarom is dit werk eigenlijk zo cruciaal? Omdat veiligheid het fundament is voor echte verbondenheid. Je kunt geen belonging creëren – dat gevoel dat je ergens bijhoort – wanneer mensen bang zijn voor discriminatie of aanvallen.
Volgens Stop Cyberbullying Day heeft 60% van alle internetgebruikers bullying of misbruik online meegemaakt. Dit zijn je collega’s, je teams, je organisatie.
In deze post onderzoeken we waarom community managers veel meer zijn dan moderators. Ze zijn rechters, bemiddelaars, beschermers – en ze bouwen elke dag aan veilige plekken waar echte verbinding kan groeien.

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Achter het scherm zitten ook gewoon mensen

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Als community manager ben ik gewend aan cijfers. Hoeveel reacties, hoe snel geantwoord, hoeveel bereik. Alles netjes meetbaar, alles in overzichtelijke rapportages. Het is verleidelijk om online interacties ook zo te benaderen: problematische reactie = delete. Efficiënt, geen gedoe. Maar achter elke username zit ook gewoon een mens. Soms met een slechte dag, frustratie over iets heel anders, of misschien gewoon een misverstand. Door alleen naar het scherm te kijken, vergeten we dat soms.

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The ROI of belonging

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Research shows conditional belonging (you belong because you’re useful) doesn’t create the same outcomes as unconditional belonging (you belong because you’re human). When belonging is transactional, it doesn’t work. So ironically, chasing the ROI of belonging through performative initiatives actually destroys the ROI. But fine, if you want to get the numbers, read on.

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My best BDEI reads so far

Blog, Cases, Podcast

I began exploring diversity and inclusion in 2018. By 2020, during my academic research on belonging, I found the literature was still in its early stages, with only 60,500 academic results on Google Scholar for “diversity, inclusion, and belonging.” In contrast, 24,100 results were published between 2021 and 2024, signaling growing attention to these critical topics. So where do you begin to practice DEIB effectively?

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Blog, Cases, Podcast
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Building connection and engagement: 10 inclusive internal community campaign ideas

Blog, Cases, Podcast

Inclusive internal community campaigns can strengthen connections, enhance engagement, and foster a sense of belonging among employees. When designed thoughtfully, they can break down silos, celebrate diversity, and drive collaboration. Here are ten ideas aligned with inclusive communication, co-creation, and the goal of creating a just workplace culture.

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Creating a workplace where everyone belongs: A guide to inclusive internal community management

Blog, Cases, Podcast

Internal communities are the heartbeat of an organization. But, creating a genuinely inclusive environment isn’t automatic—it’s a deliberate act of designing for inclusion, encouraging diverse voices, and championing shared purpose. Here’s a practical look at how to foster an internal community where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

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Blog, Cases, Podcast
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Communication professionals in a polarized world: where do we begin?

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With the results of the US elections, our world is once again at a crossroads, and the role of communication professionals feels more crucial—and more complex—than ever. For those of us working in DEI, corporate responsibility, social impact, and beyond, the renewed polarization of our societies presents both challenges and an opportunity for introspection. How do we engage with a divided audience? How can we make our messages resonate in ways that unite rather than divide? And perhaps most importantly, what is our place as communication professionals in this shifting world?

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Menopause, economics, and BDEI: the business case for inclusive workplace health

Blog, Cases, Podcast

Menopause is more than just a personal health transition; it’s a significant workforce issue with economic implications. Drawing on Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s research into the cognitive impacts of menopause and my own experiences with brain fog and memory lapses post-Covid, this blog explores why companies cannot afford to overlook menopause as part of their Belonging, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (BDEI) strategies. From the cost of talent loss to the need for menopause-friendly policies, I delve into how businesses can support employees through this critical life stage while boosting productivity and retention.

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Blog, Cases, Podcast
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The dark side of belonging

Blog, Cases

I’ve often written about the advantages of a sense of belonging. One of the questions I received about this topic is: “Does it also have a dark side?” Belonging is an integral aspect of human existence, providing us with a sense of identity and support. Yet, there’s a complexity to group dynamics that often goes unaddressed. This post aims to explore the challenges that come with group membership, including the phenomenon of misinformation.

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