South Africa, Sept. 25 -- On Heritage Day and even throughout September, diversity becomes highly visible in South African workplaces: traditional dress brings flair to photos, while cultural dishes, music and stories bring people together around the proverbial fire. But visibility is not the same as influence, just as inclusion is not the same as belonging. That's why the real test begins after Heritage Month, when employees voluntarily bring these very same identities, languages, perspectives and different ways of thinking into every meeting, interaction and opportunity. Or they don't. The difference may come down to one deceptively simple human need: belonging.

If engagement is the business goal, what is the human need?

We all know t...