Finding meaning @ work

Last Friday I spent the afternoon with four lovely agile coaches. We spent three hours together discussing why we all do what we do and who we want to become through our work. Quite deep, meaning-full stuff. Using the Hero’s Journey as a metaphor we challenged each other on what each of our personal “call-to-adventure” was and how we could stay connected to it as we work.

We then did some experiment design using the “Power of Habit” formulae for change:

When this happens_________________, I will ___________________, instead of ___________________, so that _____________________.

It is a great way to consider what behaviours need to change in order for you to go on your adventure towards your calling.

Facilitating these types of “connection moments” with peers will be a focus of my work this year; helping others feel more meaning and purpose as they deliver agile coaching and consulting services. We all want to do more to help humanise the workplace and relieve suffering as we help organisations get stuff done; an adventure worth embarking on!

That afternoon led me to digging into the latest thinking on meaning at work. Here’s some fun facts that current research supports:

1. a survey of 2000+ across 26 industries found that professionals are willing to trade $$ for more meaning at work
2. meaning can (& probably should) be found in moments throughout your workday; the myth of 100% purposeful work is unrealistic
3. a study of hospital Drs found that by using mindfulness you can “connect” to meaningful moments at work is better than aspiring for another role
4. another study found that you only need 20% of your work day to have meaning for you to dramatically boost job satisfaction (also more than 20% brought no extra sense of meaning)
5. “job crafting” is considered the best way to use the above points to create the meaningful job you want; put the meaning you want into the role you have

Here’s a couple of sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/vickyvalet/2019/07/29/career-challenge-rediscover-your-purpose-in-15-days/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26830834_Enhancing_Meaning_in_Work_A_Prescription_for_Preventing_Physician_Burnout_and_Promoting_Patient-Centered_Care