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The Question of Meaning: 5 Ways to create Meaning in the Workplace.
Each of us works towards something, whether it's to overcome difficult times in life or to improve in a hobby or skill. Most people find meaning in their goals; without that sense of purpose, we lose our way and become demotivated and depressed. Studies have shown that people who contribute to a higher purpose are likely to have a healthier outlook on life and be more resilient to stress. The same principle applies to the workplace. When work is perceived as meaningful and significant, it is less likely to be seen as a burden. In this blog article, we present five ways organizations can create more meaning and purpose in employees' work lives.
What happens when we don't experience meaning?
A meaningful life is one filled with intentions, guidance, and significance. Meaningfulness drives our actions and affects our emotions, especially in the workplace. The more employees feel that their work has meaning, the more positive impact it has on their attitude and performance. The definition of "meaning" is a sense of purpose and direction in life. It is a fundamental cognitive need, as meaning provides individuals with a sense of wholeness and a broader perspective in the workplace and beyond.
Often, people wander through their work life feeling unmotivated and unappreciated, yet they continue on. Even when experiencing dissatisfaction at work, many choose to ignore it and keep working for various reasons, be it to earn money, provide for their family, or to finance their hobbies. However, this is not necessarily sustainable for both employees and organizations. Employees become unhappy, demotivated, and stop reaching their full potential. Helping your employees find meaning in their work can make the difference between good and mediocre performance and satisfaction.
5 ways to create meaning
1. Review performance and objectives on a regular basis
Career goals are often only addressed during performance evaluations. However, job responsibilities and personal lives are constantly evolving and things change. One effective way for leaders to maintain their team members' engagement is through regular one-on-one conversations. Regular meetings allow leaders to keep track of their employees' well-being. This enables employees to discuss their concerns, the work they are doing, and any other relevant topics that occupy their minds at work and in life. These conversations help leaders to proactively defuse problems and quickly identify growth opportunities, making their team members feel empowered to achieve fulfillment in the workplace.
2. Offer support and care services to employees
Employees who can take care of themselves outside of work are more likely to perform better in the workplace. Adequate mental health support, ranging from individual and couples counseling to group therapy, allows employees to prioritize their well-being. Employee assistance programs provide access to qualified mental health therapists and a variety of services to help employees manage their lives.
3. Measure personal growth
Most of us know how important it is to set specific, measurable career goals, monitor progress, and provide training and education opportunities. These investments can also be made in the personal lives of your employees. Understanding what people expect from life and how to incorporate it into their professional development shows that you care about your employees. This can help better align and support the personal and professional goals of your employees.
4. Support internal career development
Make it easy for employees to learn about and apply for other opportunities within the company. When employees feel that their professional development is a priority and internal job search is not secretive, they can seek their next career opportunity internally instead of externally. This, in turn, can help maintain employee engagement.
5. Encourage employees to further develop their skills
Some employees are interested in leadership positions. Others want to explore different roles or have expertise that could be useful in a different function. By encouraging your employees to connect with others in the company and utilize internal resources and training, your team members can learn new skills while meeting a need of the company.
Finding purpose doesn't always have to be world-changing. It can simply involve using your talents to help your family or friends. It's often helpful to dream small. Purpose doesn't have to be about finding cures for diseases or promoting world peace, but can also be about doing what's closest to you and doing work that allows you to express your unique abilities to help others or contribute to the community.
Conclusion
The question of meaning is a big deal, but it doesn't have to be rocket science. Keep the big picture in mind and ensure that your actions align with what matters most to you - as a leader in a company or as an individual. We are happiest and most fulfilled when our decisions and actions are aligned with a clear purpose.
The purpose of life is a life of purpose.
by Robert Bruns (1759 – 1796), Scottish poet
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