The Covid-19 pandemic changed the way people view life. We’re now drawn to finding more meaning and purpose in the things we do;, particularly in the work we do. Fulfillment is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s the largest contributor to positive employee experience.
A PwC survey, “Putting Purpose to Work: A Study of Purpose in the Workplace,” indicates that 83% of employees prioritize “finding meaning in day-to-day work.” Employees view purpose as a way to add meaning to their work. It’s more than just showing up for work or putting in the hours. Employees now want to understand how their contributions make a difference, what impact their efforts have on the company’s success, and how they are bringing value to society as a whole.
Fulfillment at Work
Fulfillment is a sense of deep satisfaction, purpose, and meaning that individuals derive from their professional lives. It is a feeling of knowing that the work you do aligns well with your natural motivations and personal values. Scientific research reveals that the three main factors that contribute to a fulfilling work experience are:
- Growth: A sense of progression and improvement at work and in life.
- Impact: The feeling of how one’s contributions add value to their environment.
- Relationships: Positive connections and a sense of belonging.
Work cultures that prioritize fulfillment have employees who are motivated and are likely to contribute their best work. Having a higher number of engaged employees means you benefit from improved performance, less dissatisfaction, low burnout, and higher retention.
Creating a Fulfilling Experience
While fulfillment is elusive, it’s not impossible to find. This is where organizations are tasked with the responsibility of creating an environment that provides fulfilling experiences. In an interview with Forbes, Shannon Schuyler, Chief Purpose and Inclusion Officer at PwC said, “Organizations provide the right environment for a fulfilling employee experience, but it’s the employees who shape how to make work meaningful for themselves.”
We’ve put together some practical strategies that organizations can implement to enhance employee fulfillment.
Foster a Sense of Purpose
Employees who understand how their work contributes to the larger organizational mission are more likely to feel fulfilled. So, communicate your vision. Remain transparent. Go the extra mile to help your employees understand how their roles contribute to the company’s goals. The term ‘lead by example’ must exist authentically in your culture. Encourage leaders to engage in behaviors that promote impact, growth, and positive relationships.
Offer Opportunities for Growth and Development
Growth goes beyond promotions and pay raises. We’re not saying that these don’t matter to your employees... they do. But know that employees experience a deeper sense of achievement when their employer is committed to investing in them as individuals. Leaders who offer skill development programs, create networking opportunities, and provide consistent coaching and mentoring get the best from their team members.
Build Positive Work Relationships
Keyword: Belonging. Create an environment where your employees feel safe and accepted. A place where their differences are celebrated, their opinions are welcomed, and their voices heard – a place where they feel truly cared about. Leaders must commit to bringing employees together in a way that allows meaningful relationships to grow and where individuals can benefit from opportunities to connect, learn, and develop.
Offer Support and Balance
Flexibility, hybrid work schedules, and remote opportunities have changed the way we work today. Work-life balance has a whole new meaning. And today, this goes beyond just establishing policies and limiting actual practice.
Employees expect their employers to offer support and balance. This is one of the key factors contributing to job satisfaction. Let’s take Microsoft Japan as an example. The company implemented a four-day workweek trial in 2019. This resulted in a 40% increase in productivity and 92% of employees stated they preferred the shorter workweek. Although this was a pilot project, the results derived from this trial proved that work-life balance is essential to employees.
Closing Thoughts
Creating a fulfilling work environment is a strategic imperative to ensure individual and company success. Remember, when organizations prioritize employee satisfaction, growth, and well-being they benefit from unprecedented levels of creativity, productivity, engagement, and loyalty from their employees.
At Crosworks, we believe that employee engagement is the key to success. The first 90 days are critical to a new employee’s long-term success in a company. Schedule an appointment today and allow our career strategists to guide you through the process of how we work with individuals and organizations to develop a strong onboarding and integration plan. You may also want to leverage our Maximum Your Talent program to ensure that the right talent meets the right opportunities for continued personal and company growth.