Covid has caused many workers to change the way they think about work. Some employees have resigned, others have not returned to the office. In fact, a wave of research suggests that 9 out of 10 workers would be willing to accept a lower salary if it meant doing more meaningful work. People want purpose more than ever and it’s driving attrition up! People don’t just want a pay check anymore, they want to work for an organisation that gives them the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, although what this means can vary from person to person. However what we do know is that meaningful work leads to better job satisfaction, higher engagement, and stronger commitment.
Environmental
This recognises the impact businesses have on the planet. Companies that have a strong environmental policy could be high up on your wish list. The recession, climate change, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the rising cost of living, and the tragedy that comes with all of these events is affecting the world in ways we never could have imagined. And the only way we’re going to achieve that change is if meaningful, impactful action is taken. Every company uses energy. At a time when many people are struggling, giving back – in one way or another – to the people and environment that supported your growth is a natural response. Organisations have an inherent responsibility to the world around them. So, if environment is high up on your agenda for meaningful work, then look at companies’ environmental initiatives and policies, are they in line with yours?
Ethical
Every company operates within society. And every company needs to operate under a set of rules and regulations that ensure ethical ways of working. If you are working for a company that you don’t believe in or you’re not ethically aligned with then chances are your job satisfaction and engagement are not very high, so look for jobs with companies that are aligned with your values and you are proud to work for.
Community & Culture
What motivates you to get out of bed every morning, what is your purpose? Is it no longer about the money? Do you want to feel like you belong to an organisation? Do you feel included, welcomed, valued, are your interests aligned and cared about? Given all the things going on in the world, its reported that 86% of employees want to work for a company that cares about the same issues they do. What are the companies you are applying to or working at interested in? Do they share your values, do they play a part in the community, is that something you’d like to be involved in? Read company or charity websites for affiliated companies, blogs, newspaper articles etc.
Creativity
Do you want a more creative role, one that can make the most of your natural talents now that you have had time to reflect on what you really want, do you want to bring a more creative side of yourself to your job, be individual? Look at companies that are producing the type of work that you want to do and reflect the side of you that you want to bring out.
Challenge
Are you challenged enough, is it important to you to learn and develop and gain new skills? Is there an opportunity to progress in your current role? Do you want more responsibility and autonomy? If so, speak with your manager about how you can make this happen, is there an opportunity to grow and develop within the business you’re in? If not and it is important to you, then it’s time to move but ask the question first, you never know… And make sure you ask the question at your next interview!
Contribution
Look at the role you are doing, what part do you play, who does it matter to, where do you fit into the puzzle? Does it matter to colleagues, to customers to your company. Does the part you play make a difference to someone or something? You might feel this way if your job is part of a large process, or if you never get to see the impact of your work. If this is the case, it might be that you don’t need to find a new job but more you need to see where your contribution fits, so if you don’t know ask. You might be surprised!! Alternatively, you might find you’re happier in a more practical job where you can see the finished product or the difference your efforts have made.
You don’t always need to change jobs to find more meaning in your life. You could make a valuable contribution to society outside of work by putting something back into the community through volunteering or raising money for charity. Find new hobbies or Interests that makes use of your strengths. Enrol on new courses to learning new skills or find opportunities to develop yourself personally or professionally.
In the words of Mark Twain “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
