Presented by Andrew Soren at ECPP 2024

Meaningful Work Paradox: Strategies for Sustainable Wellbeing

Workshop Abstract

An explosion of research around meaningful work reveals its power to enhance commitment, motivation, and performance in the workplace. However, this increase in engagement is not without its risks, including the potential for obsessive passion and burnout. Understanding this paradox is crucial for those striving to spark more meaning in the workplace.

This workshop delves into the benefits and hazards associated with meaningful work, focusing on achieving work-life harmony and overall well-being. It will provide practical strategies to counter the risks of stress, burnout, and fatigue that often accompany deeply meaningful work. Central to our approach is the belief that true well-being is unattainable without a foundation of fairness, equity, and inclusion. We will also introduce targeted methods for fostering self-care, especially for those who perceive their work as a calling.

Attendees will gain a deeper comprehension of the science behind meaningful work and its effects on both individuals and organizations. The interactive workshop will explore factors that create a disconnect between organizational expectations and employee experiences. Furthermore, it will present evidence-based strategies to build workplace cultures that emphasize decency, meaning, and the maximization of potential.

Considering that work occupies a substantial portion of our waking lives, its significance to our wellbeing cannot be overstated. As experts in positive psychology, we have the opportunity – and responsibility – to shape work into an enriching and harmonious aspect of life.