For those interested in the detail, here’s how it works
So, what’s the solution? How can meaningfulness be enhanced while at the same time all essential work is completed? The first step is to be aware that the disparity exists in the first place.
In a positive sign, increasing numbers of employers are conducting regular staff sentiment surveys to better understand the mindset of employees. Such surveys (usually anonymous) can give valuable insights into issues such as the prevalence of meaningful work.
This, in turn, can encourage management teams to develop initiatives that create a more meaningful work environment. Unfortunately, however, this is not always an easy thing to achieve.
According to a recent report from PwC it is “rarely second nature for leaders to focus on making jobs fulfilling.”
The report says that doing so requires “deep empathy on the part of managers and the ability to translate the company’s overall purpose into specific actions and behaviours, so that employees can see how their work contributes to that purpose”.
This can often be easier said than done, but that shouldn’t deter managers from trying. It’s even more important at a time when finding and retaining good staff is particularly challenging.