After more than 2 years of health crisis, the question of meaning at work is particularly present. Many questions have arisen among employees. This period has indeed been conducive to questioning and taking a step back. It's true that young people are more concerned with well-being and quality of life at work, but contrary to what you might think, the question of meaning at work concerns all professionals.

‍

We spend a great deal of our time at work. So it's natural to wonder what our daily work lives mean to us.

‍

Meaning at work: the findings

According to a survey carried out by OpinionWay for Anact in June 2022, 4 out of 10 working people would consider leaving their job in the next 2 years for one with more meaning. 32% of those questioned noted a lack of recognition. 31% would like to achieve greater fulfillment and progress in their work.

‍

Meaning at work linked to 3 factors

Meaning at work is linked to three distinct factors. First, it depends on the personal experience of each individual. Each individual perceives it in his or her own way. A person's sense of meaning at work is influenced by their actual experience of work, their perception of it and their previous experiences. For example, one person may find his or her job devoid of meaning, while another, working in the same profession, sees it as genuinely useful. Secondly, meaning at work is also linked to professional and organizational relationships. Indeed, every organization can act to help its employees find meaning in their work.

‍

Meaning at work: what's it all about?

A personal quest

So finding meaning in your work is first and foremost a personal quest. So what can you do as an employee? Here are a few tips to help you find meaning in your profession:

• Take a moment to reflect on the importance of your position and role in the organization;
• Let your superiors know about your skills and aspirations;
• Get involved in the life of the company: in projects, activities, sharing your skills... You'll feel more valued;
• Choose to work in a sector that speaks to you: social, environmental, mutual aid... and in a company with which you share values: social, societal, environmental commitment.

Elements that contribute to meaning

Despite the subjective aspect of the quest for meaning, the Anact survey highlights 3 dimensions that bring meaning to work:

• The feeling of usefulness of a job: feeling useful to society, to beneficiaries, to the company
• Matching personal and professional values
• The contribution of work to our own development: Am I learning? Am I evolving? Am I developing my relationships?

The role of the company

Even if employees themselves have a role to play in the quest for meaning, it is important to note that this quest represents a major challenge for companies. Indeed, an employee who finds no purpose in his or her work will be demotivated, perform less well and lose commitment. These reactions have a direct impact on organizational performance. Conversely, an employee who enjoys his or her work and sees a real interest in it will be more committed to participating in the company's development.

‍

That's why organizations and managers alike have a role to play. So what can be done? A number of levers can be activated:

• Improving quality of life and working conditions: work/life balance, recognition, teleworking, hybrid work, flexible working hours.
• Valuing each job: showing employees that their tasks are useful: using feedback, recognizing each person's work, encouraging autonomy and encouragement, regularly taking stock of the employee's activity.
• Enable skills development: offer professional training, encourage versatility.
• Encouraging participation: communicating the company's values, strategy and vision, involving employees in decision-making, and involving them in the company's overall project.

‍

The quest for meaning is a major challenge for companies today. It affects employee commitment and retention, as well as recruitment. These factors in turn influence company performance. At a time when bore out and brown-out are particularly prevalent, it is essential to act in favor of meaning at work, which is part of the process of improving quality of life and working conditions.

‍