For several years now, a wind of questioning has been blowing through the world of work. Mass resignations, the rise of teleworking, and frequent career changes all reflect the same reality: more and more people refuse to devote their energy to a job that they feel is meaningless.
For many, employment is no longer just a way to earn a living: it must also be a way to build it, to find usefulness, a tangible contribution and an alignment with one's deepest values.
In this article, we'll explore why meaning at work is essential for employees and businesses, as well as concrete avenues businesses can take to revive engagement and motivation.
Why is meaning at work essential?
Work occupies a huge part of our lives: on average, almost a third of our days are spent doing it. Finding meaning in it is therefore not a luxury, but a condition for feeling aligned and fulfilled. When a person perceives that they are contributing to something bigger than themselves, they develop not only lasting motivation, but also better mental health and greater resilience in the face of challenges.
Meaning at work acts as a common thread. It provides a clear direction, helps people navigate challenging times, and strengthens their sense of belonging to a team. Employees who feel useful and recognized tend to be more creative, more engaged, and more loyal to their organization.
Conversely, a lack of meaning leads to disengagement, fatigue, and a loss of confidence. But when we move beyond the logic of a simple salary, work becomes much more than a series of tasks: it transforms into a mission that nourishes both the individual and the collective. It is this deep conviction that transforms a routine activity into a meaningful contribution, and a job into a true source of fulfillment.
The expectations of new generations
Millennials and Generation Z no longer accept that work is just about bread and butter. They are looking for jobs that allow them to learn, grow, and contribute to a meaningful project.
Autonomy and flexibility are among their priorities. The ability to manage their schedule, work remotely, or choose projects aligned with their values is becoming a decisive criterion for loyalty. But this autonomy doesn't mean isolation: collaboration, inclusion, and transparency are integral to their expectations.
These generations also value work-life balance. For them, success is not measured by career advancement, but rather by the ability to live a rich and meaningful life. This vision requires organizations to rethink their culture and move from a control-centric model to a person-centric one.
Levers to restore meaning to work
Organizations have many ways to recreate professional environments that are consistent and motivating for their employees:
1. A clear and shared purpose: When an organization articulates an inspiring vision that goes beyond mere profit-making, it provides its employees with a motivating framework. Knowing that their work contributes to a collective project—whether it's improving the daily lives of customers, promoting sustainability, or supporting a social cause—nurtures a sense of purpose.
2. Recognition: Meaning also comes from realizing that one's efforts produce tangible results. Showing employees the impact of their actions, celebrating successes, and publicly acknowledging contributions reinforces a sense of accomplishment. Recognition, whether individual or collective, is a powerful fuel for adding value to daily work.
3. Values: Work takes on a whole new dimension when it is part of an approach that respects people and the planet. Companies that make consistent social and environmental commitments give their teams an added sense of pride: that of contributing to a project that aligns with their values.
4. Autonomy: Allowing employees to make decisions related to their responsibilities, giving them space to innovate and participate in direction strengthens their sense of belonging. Autonomy does not mean the absence of a framework, but the ability to fully exercise one's skills in a climate of trust.
5. Work-life balance: Providing working conditions that respect personal life and promote well-being is now essential. Leave, flexibility, teleworking: all these measures demonstrate respect for the individual beyond their professional role.
6. Dialogue: An environment where opinions are listened to and suggestions considered fosters a sense of contribution. Giving employees a voice, but also acting on their feedback and suggestions, creates a dynamic where everyone feels heard.
7. Work environment: The design of the work environment plays a key role in well-being and motivation. A bright, ergonomic, and suitable workspace promotes concentration and encourages collaboration. Offering both quiet areas and collective spaces, integrating natural elements (plants, daylight), and allowing a certain degree of personalization of workstations reinforces the feeling of belonging and happiness.
Restoring meaning, a collective challenge
Finding meaning at work is essential for performance, health, and sustainability. In a changing world, organizations can no longer simply wait for individuals to find their own motivation. They have a responsibility to create a framework where everyone can identify with their work, thrive, and contribute to a meaningful project.
Pascale Hubert
Web Writer