Meaningful Work

I remember a survey question from a while back that was supposed to measure whether employees felt they were doing meaningful work. If they answered positively, the theory was they’d be more engaged and therefore more productive. It made sense then and it still does now. You may not like surveys but if you can get people to take them you can measure, and learn, a lot about your workforce.

What is Meaningful Work

So what is meaningful work? One definition is work that an individual feels is important and contributes to the overall cause/mission of the organization. It shouldn’t matter what level or pay grade you’re in - everyone needs to know how and where they fit in and how their work contributes to the success of the whole organization. This sounds simplified but it takes commitment to pull off. Some of you may think or assume you already have this. If you do, that’s fantastic. If you’re not sure, this is a great area to put some effort into that will give you some long-term benefits.

How

It all goes back to effective top-down communication. The whole organization has to know the mission and everyone’s goals and objectives have to be structured towards that end. Whether you’re a front-line worker or deep behind the scenes in support your efforts and results help the organization move ahead in its goals. Not individually of course but as teams and units working collectively. This is where a leader makes sure they communicate to the employee population as a whole so everyone feels noticed and appreciated. Sometimes it’s a small mention in a newsletter or it can be a site visit. The key is to be consistent and all-encompassing from all levels of leadership. You need everyone working together to be successful. Let them know you notice.

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