Meaning In Work

Introduction

Of critical importance is the meaning to be found in work and life.

Over time, the concept of work has changed from manual labour generating income to knowledge workers, ie 'more brain than brawn.'

With most humans spending around 1/3 of their lifetime working, meaning in work is important. Generally the meaning does not reside in the content of work itself, rather it is in the way the person implements their work.

Studies (N. Lambert et al as quoted by Ryk Croukamp, 2018) into the implications of finding meaning in work show

- a sense of belonging predicts how meaningful life can be perceived to be

- a positive correlation exists between sense of belonging and meaningfulness, now and in the future

- a sense of meaning is positively correlated to the sense of control the impact change may have on staff

NB Work fills a variety of individual needs, not just financial.
"...people rate purpose, fulfilment, autonomy, satisfaction, close working relationships and learning as more important than money..."
N. Chalofsky as quoted by Ryk Croukamp, 2018

"...a sense of belonging is a fundamental human need that has a positive influence and impact on......learning, motivation and confidence......in contrast, perceived stress has negative consequences on....... self-concept, learning skills and competencies which then resemble a state of disengagement..."
Grobecker as quoted by Ryk Croukamp, 2018

It can be argued that with
"...decline of neighbourhoods, churches, civil groups and extended families in developed countries, the workplace is now being seen as the primary source of community and a place to feel connected..."
J. Conger as quoted by Ryk Croukamp, 2018

Meaning at work has the following components
"... - a sense of purpose
     - set of values to provide a sense of 'goodness'
     - a sense of efficacy, and
     - sense of self-worth..."
R. F. Baumeister as quoted by Ryk Croukamp, 2018

Work helps provide people with an assessment of their identity and self-worth. If you loss your job, it can make it difficult to focus on the future and you may tend to start living in the past.

However, work can provide a false sense of self-worth, if it is meaningless, eg doing repetitive, mundane tasks.

(For more details on the meaning see elsewhere in this Knowledge Base)