One simple way to develop a meaningful work environment

We’re moving from a means-based work culture to a meaning-based work culture.

In other words, people are looking to gain more than just money when they go to work. They want jobs with purpose. They want to feel like they’re contributing to the mission of the wider organisation. They want job satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. American writer Elbert Hubbard said, ‘Work to become, not to acquire.’ By thinking of work as a way of developing yourself rather than just a way to earn money, you can create a meaningful work experience.

Meaningful work doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing countless hours to a charity or dedicating your life to a cause. It can be as simple as being useful. Letting your team know that what they’re contributing to the organisation is useful and adding value is a way of developing a meaningful work environment.

How you are useful to your team

Thomas the Tank Engine is a fictional character. His famous adventures see him working hard to be a ‘really useful engine’ in a quest that solidifies his position as top talent in the engine world! He’s a great example of how people like to feel useful at work.

When you’re useful, you’re helping people. The way you help others at work is remembered long after a promotion or pay rise. As an employer and leader, you can help others succeed in their roles, enabling them to work towards the wider mission of your organisation. 

Many famous leaders have spoken about the impact being useful and helping others has on achieving success and happiness. One example is Winston Churchill, who said, ‘We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.’ 

Being useful and helping others can also have long-term benefits. There’s a Chinese saying, ‘If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.’ 

Helping others at work is not just about supporting them in achieving their own professional goals. It’s also about strengthening your organisation for the future. It can improve employee experience, increase talent engagement and boost retention rates. Helping others shows that you value people first.

People before profit

In the Meaningful Work Insights Report 2023 by Beaumont People, 90% of respondents said it was important that their employer valued people before profit. Putting people before profit is key to engaging, retaining and attracting talent in the modern job market. 

Putting people before business means making connections with your employees and building relationships. It means getting to know the people your employees are and helping them create careers they love.

Be like Thomas, and help others succeed

Here are some ways you can be really useful like Thomas the Tank Engine and help your team succeed!

Understand the people your employees are

Understand your people’s strengths, interests and abilities. With this in mind, you can work out how to help them reach their full potential. To understand people, you need empathy. Empathy allows you to recognise and understand people’s thoughts, emotions and experiences.

In the report Understanding “People” People, the authors explain how leaders can increase business productivity by taking into account people’s interests and skills when making work decisions and assigning projects. The authors discuss four dimensions that leaders need to understand in order to get optimal performance from employees: influence, interpersonal facilitation, relational creativity and team leadership. 

Acknowledge the work of others, and highlight achievements

The Great Place to Work 2023 discretionary effort study showed that when employees stood an equal chance of getting a gold star for their efforts, they were over twice as likely to go above and beyond their regular work duties.

Acknowledgement is a simple gesture that speaks volumes. Validating the efforts of your people can help to shape a positive work environment, improving team morale and boosting employee experience. If your people feel heard and appreciated, they may be more motivated to engage and contribute.

Offer opportunities for continued growth and development

According to Gallup research, ​​employees who have the opportunity to continually develop are twice as likely to spend their career with their current organisation. Investing in your people and providing them with learning opportunities can help improve talent retention.

Provide ongoing feedback

Maintain healthy communication with your employees by allowing time to catch up with individuals and review their work and their wellbeing. Offer feedback, and advise employees on what they can do to get the most from work, as well as identify how they can improve.

Constructive feedback can improve employee performance. It can contribute to someone’s sense of feeling valued. It helps reinforce positive habits and encourages more of the same behaviours. It can also strengthen the quality of the relationships you have with your employees.

Wrapping up

The motivations and priorities of people looking for work have changed. While competitive salaries and attractive benefits are important, there’s a growing desire for people to find work in a meaningful environment that aligns with their own personal values and purpose.

As a leader, you can foster a meaningful environment by putting your people first. Engage with your people, and let them know that they’re useful, and you’ll help build stronger connections for a more resilient and productive workforce.

For more insights, visit the Heart Talent blog.