“The Great Resignation” phenomenon that has taken place during the past two post-Covid years has turned many businesses upside down. Employees have left their positions in droves for various reasons, but worker satisfaction is one of the most frequently cited.
What is required for an employee to love their job? When surveyed, issues include salary, hours, benefits, and flexibility. Of course, there are myriad reasons why people are happy or unhappy at work, as any job always has pros and cons. And, sometimes, as employees, we aren’t in a position to be picky about what jobs we accept. If we feel strained financially, sometimes we feel obligated to work more hours. Or, we finally earn a position in a field we love, but it requires us to work for a demanding boss. These factors, as well as others, are often outside of our control. Perhaps a better question we should consider is, “How do we make our work meaningful?”
Meaningful work can occur in any industry, field, or position level. Actively seeking ways to bring purpose into our professions can change how we approach our daily responsibilities and tasks. Regardless of what your job is, here are a few ways to make your work meaningful:
Create
We were created to create, and even in what can seem like the most mundane jobs, we can find ways to flex our creative muscles. Accountants create elaborate spreadsheets with complex formulas to solve complicated tax issues. Line cooks season their dishes perfectly to create a delicious meal for us. Administrative assistants create organizational structures that make our lives easier. When we view our work as a way to be creative, we can shift our mindset into one that allows us to find meaning in even our most monotonous tasks. Think of your daily to-do list and find the ways that you create each day.
Serve
Even in positions that aren’t traditionally considered service roles, we can find ways to help others. Adjusting our perspective to see how we can serve those we encounter daily changes how we approach our schedule and work responsibilities. It can give greater meaning to a plumber’s typical leak repair or a shelf stocker replenishing cans of baby formula at the grocery store. Those positions meet a great need, but if the plumber or stocker doesn’t see their work as a way to serve someone else, they may be unable to fully live into the meaningful work they accomplish each day.
Rest well
Typically, Americans could be better at resting. Often, when we think we are relaxing, we are scrolling on our devices, consuming content, and numbing ourselves to everything around us. These mindless activities leave us feeling unsatisfied and unrested. If we want to find more meaning in our work, we must make an effort to rest well. Look for a new hobby such as cooking or painting. Go on long walks or bike rides. Join a tennis league. Learn an instrument or visit a museum. Resting doesn’t mean sleeping or being lazy; it simply means taking the time to recharge your mind and body. What are some ways you can find rest this week?
Employers aren’t off the hook!
If you are the leader of an organization, you have a crucial role in helping your employees find meaning in their daily work. You can create an environment that is flexible and empowering and give your employees space to create, serve, and rest. Meet with them often to not only set goals but also to learn what their dreams and talents are. Explore ways for them to use those talents in the workplace. Create strategic plans for your organization that allow your team to utilize their strengths and talents. You can use strategic planning to build a roadmap that capitalizes on your employees’ strengths.
If you want to learn more about creating a strategic plan, the 412 Project can help you get started!
How Do We Make Our Work Meaningful?
