3 Ways To Connect Employees To A Sense Of Purpose
A sense of purpose is one of many important factors that make for a content, productive employee. No matter what field they’re in or position they fill, employees want to believe that what they do matters.
Work is more than just a way to pay the bills. It fulfills the innate desire to meaningfully contribute to society. To help people, to inspire change, to share knowledge, to entertain–there is always a purpose behind every job. No matter the industry, it is possible to connect employees to a sense of purpose.
Here are three significant ways to help them find meaning.
1. Find Out What Drives Them
Motivation looks different for everyone. Even employees with the same exact job title and responsibilities may have different reasons for showing up each day and doing their best work. One employee may be motivated by rewards and praise, while another may be motivated by the sense of accomplishment as they’re checking off their to-do list, and another may only feel that drive when they are creating something new.
Motivation and purpose are near-synonyms and intrinsically linked. People often turn to their purpose for motivation, so understanding motivation is essential to creating or restoring purpose. If an employee does not know or has lost their sense of purpose, find out what motivates them and incorporate those values into your company culture—or at least into your direct communications with them.
The easiest way to do this is simply by eliciting feedback—ask questions, take surveys, have one-on-one meetings and/or small focus groups—and be willing to really listen and make changes that benefit each individual. Many people do not really know or cannot define what motivates them, so pay attention to how people respond to change, how often they contribute, and when they are the most engaged in their work.
In short, when morale and productivity are down, it’s time to listen to your employees, find new motivators, and help connect them with their purpose.
2. Be As Open And Transparent As Possible
No one wants to feel sidelined. Keep employees informed and in the loop on as much as possible, from status updates to company news to new procedures and the reasons behind them. Obviously in certain structures not everything can be shared—nor would it benefit employees to be barraged with impertinent information—but communicating with your employees openly and transparently is a signal of respect. It says to them,
“You are an important part of this organization and we are not hiding anything from you.”
By communicating transparently, you are helping employees see the “big picture.” For many, the “big picture” gives them their sense of purpose. It gives them the answers they need to questions such as: What are the goals of this organization? What is the point of my job? What need am I fulfilling? How do I fit in here?
Like a tapestry of the night sky, a view of the business as a whole can connect employees to a sense of purpose in part by seeing how all parts—both big and small—are connected and meaningful.
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3. Support Their Growth
While it is the nature of a business leader to focus on their own growth and the growth of their business, it is important to remember that everyone—from the bottom up—has their own dreams and goals. The relationship between employers and their employees should be symbiotic.
Employees are supporting a company by working for them, so employers should support their employees in return. In addition to essential provisions such as livable wages and healthy working conditions, provide opportunities for employees to learn and grow. From training to mentorship programs to wellness initiatives, there are many ways to help employees avoid stagnation and continue to connect with their purpose.
Importantly, life is more than just work–and employees know this and are prioritizing work-life balance now more than ever. Valuing your employees means valuing their humanity. It would be unfair to expect an employee’s sense of purpose to be 100% tied to the needs and goals of the organization. Adopting a holistic view and understanding employee needs–both in and outside of work–is indisputably necessary, especially in our society’s changing work culture.
Related:
Holistic Health At Work: How To Increase Your Resiliency To Stress
6 Ways To Advance and Enhance Your Career When Working Remotely
Three Types Of Managers and How Each Contributes To Your Career Growth
Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Liz Ebenhoh and I am a literacy tutor, editor, and writer with an extensive work history in library services and nonprofits. I have been an avid reader and writer since I was a child, and as an adult have focused on helping and supporting others and using my words for good. I am passionate about all things equity, education, and wellness–never stop learning and growing! :) Connect with me on my website and/or LinkedIn.
