The 3 Essential Characteristics of Meaningful Work

First and foremost, a job should pay – that’s a given. But according to this insightful clip from The School of Life, work should also feel meaningful to employees at all levels. Why is it so important that work be meaningful? The equation is simple – employees that feel that their work has meaning are happier, so they work harder and more effectively at their jobs. Happier employees make for healthier – and ultimately more successful – institutions and societies.

So, what characterizes meaningful work?

1. IT BRINGS OUT YOUR MOST AUTHENTIC SELF

Meaningful work taps into the most sincere and talented parts of its employees – and that will mean different work for different people. For some, baking bread makes them feel alive, for others, investing money brings out their best selves, and others still are at their most authentic when they’re teaching children.

MAKE IT HAPPEN: Find your true calling! Seek out career counselling, an internship or work experience position or take a vocation-specific course.

2. IT HELPS OTHERS

Put simply, meaningful work fixes a problem that humanity has – it serves humanity.

MAKE IT HAPPEN: Buy from meaningful businesses. As consumers we have a huge power to support the type of places we’d like to work – and raise the quality of our society as a result.

3. IT HAS A CLEAR PURPOSE

When a person is doing meaningful work, they can sense it every day. They have a full understanding of the impact of their work on a specific audience – even if they don’t directly experience the effect.

MAKE IT HAPPEN: If you work at a big company, find ways to bring the intimacy of a smaller organization to small employees. Keeping each person in the system updated on the big picture can foster a sense of purpose crucial for making work meaningful.