The Meaning of Meaningful Work: Lessons from Michael Steger

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, we chat with Michael Steger, a luminary in the realm of meaningful work and life.

Steger, a Professor of Psychology and Founding Director of the Center for Meaning and Purpose at Colorado State University delves into the intricacies of finding coherence, purpose, and significance in our personal and professional lives.

Personalization of Meaning:

The podcast begins by emphasizing the highly individualized nature of finding meaning in life and work.

Steger points out that each person's journey to discovering purpose is shaped by their unique experiences, values, and aspirations. This personalization of meaning challenges the one-size-fits-all approach and encourages leaders to recognize and honor the diverse paths employees may take in their search for significance.

Dimensions of Meaning:

Steger introduces listeners to the four critical dimensions of meaning: coherence, purpose, significance, and mattering.

He explains that coherence involves understanding one's life and place in the world, while purpose is about having a sense of direction and motivation. Significance, on the other hand, relates to the feeling that one’s life has inherent value. A fourth dimension of mattering - related to how one adds value, has also emerged more recently in the literature.

This framework helps in demystifying the often abstract concept of meaning, also helping individuals and practitioners understand that there are multiple paths to meaning for all of us.

Steger argues that meaningful work should contribute positively to the broader venture of one's life, aligning with personal values and goals. This perspective shifts the focus from mere job satisfaction to a more holistic view of how work integrates into and enriches an individual's life.

Leadership and Meaningful Work:

The role of leadership in creating environments conducive to meaningful work is another focal point of the discussion.

Steger introduces the 'CARMA' model – a framework comprising clarity, authenticity, respect, mattering, and autonomy – as an evidence-based guide for leaders. This model emphasizes the importance of clarity of communication, authentic interactions, mutual respect, recognizing how each employee’s contribution matters, and allowing autonomy.

These leadership behaviors have been shown to cultivate workplaces where employees feel valued, understood, and connected to their work on a deeper level.

They have also been shown to increase an employee’s willingness to recommend their workplace as a great place to work to others.

Systemic Perspective on Meaningful Work:

It is important to take a systemic perspective to meaningful work. Steger stresses the need to consider the broader societal and organizational contexts that shape individual experiences of meaning at work. This underscores the complexity of the issue and the necessity for leaders and organizational practitioners to be aware of the various external factors that can impact the sense of meaning and purpose employees find in their work.

This episode of "Meaningful Work Matters" is filled with insights for anyone committed to creating a more meaningful work environment. The conversation not only sheds light on the nuanced nature of meaning in work but also offers practical strategies for fostering an enriching workplace. For organizational leaders and practitioners in positive psychology, Steger’s perspectives serve as a valuable guide in the quest to enhance the sense of purpose and fulfillment within their organizations.

Resources:

Michael Steger: Laboratory for the Study of Meaning and Quality of Life

Meaningful Work is about Much More than Purpose

Meaningful Work, Well-Being, and Health: Enacting a Eudaimonic Vision

Meaningful Work Starts with Good Jobs: Lessons from Zeynep Ton

For many, striving to make work more meaningful may seem like a privileged problem. After all, according to the Brookings Institute, in 2019, a whopping 44% of working Americans held jobs that earned less than $24,000 a year. The fact is, if we want work to be meaningful, it has to be decent first.

That means work should offer us freedom, equity, security, and dignity.

But what if we told you that decent work isn't just a lofty goal, but a proven strategy for achieving high profits and lasting success?

Zeynep Ton, a professor of practice at MIT Sloan and the president of the nonprofit Good Jobs Institute, is at the forefront of helping business leaders make realization.

In our latest episode, Zeynep unpacks the essence of her latest book, The Case for Good Jobs, which builds on her previous work, The Good Job Strategy, to explain how businesses can reap the rewards of investing in their employees as human beings, rather than as costs to be minimized.

Zeynep's research highlights employees are not mere cogs in the machine but rather invaluable contributors whose well-being and development are intricately tied to a company's success.

Adequate Pay: The Cornerstone of Meaningful Work

Low pay can set in motion a vicious cycle of high employee turnover and low productivity. Zeynep highlights the negative health effects that stem from high-stress jobs, including reduced cognitive function. Unfortunately, there exists a significant gap between the ideal of good work and the reality for many in the world. Low-wage work often forces people to hold multiple jobs, leading to physical exhaustion and a lack of time for family, health or education.

This glaring issue needs urgent attention, especially considering that future job growth is expected from low-wage sectors.

Investing in Employees: Costco and Trader Joe's Success

Zeynep's insights reveal that investing in employee pay and reducing turnover costs can yield substantial benefits for companies. High turnover rates and low wages lead to operational problems and lost sales, which can be costly in the long run. Drawing from successful retail chains like Costco and Trader Joe's, Zeynep showcases how improving job conditions and retaining employees can translate into significant financial gains.

She notes the discomfort that often fills the room when company data related to employee turnover and living wages are presented. Most executives are not proud of the number of employees not earning a living wage in their companies.

Designing Work for High Productivity

Zeynep’s Good Job Strategy emphasizes the need to design work for high productivity and contribution. She points out that many companies struggle to achieve their desired outcomes due to siloed decision-making and a lack of alignment among leaders.

However, companies that have embraced this strategy have witnessed significant improvements in employee turnover, productivity, and customer satisfaction. To achieve these outcomes, Zeynep advocates for a system change that prioritizes customer success, operational execution, team building, and turnover reduction.

Employee Trust and Belief Barriers

Breaking down the barriers to adopting a new system requires a profound shift in employee belief and trust. The significance of trust in employees' competence and the impact it can have on organizational success. Companies like Four Seasons, which invest in their frontline employees and trust them to make decisions, serve as successful examples.

Zeynep suggests that executives spending time with frontline employees can build empathy and a better understanding of the incredible competence of employees, even within a suboptimal system.

Unlocking Success Through Positive Deviance

Zeynep's approach involves studying companies that are true positive deviants in their industries and learning from their strategies. The focus is on creating genuine value for customers and continually improving that value, which demands a disciplined approach.

Zeynep stresses the importance of treating employees well, making integrity a habit, and giving back to customers. To implement a good job strategy within an organization, the first step is to make the status quo unacceptable, either competitively or ethically. Change is challenging, especially for those lower down in the organization, and it requires alignment in senior leadership. Failure to shift the way organizations think about their talent can lead to a loss of valuable employees.

Zeynep's extensive research and insights offer a roadmap for businesses to embrace a new way of thinking, where employees are valued, and their well-being is prioritized. By designing work for high productivity, overcoming barriers to employee trust and belief, and learning from positive deviants, we can usher in an era where meaningful work is a reality, not just a concept.

Meaningful work is not just a trend; it's a necessity for a brighter future where employees and businesses thrive together.

Resources:

The Case for Good Jobs: How Great Companies Bring Dignity, Pay, and Meaning to Everyone's Work

The Good Jobs Strategy: How the Smartest Companies Invest in Employees to Lower Costs and Boost Profits

Meaningful Work, Well-Being, and Health: Enacting a Eudaimonic Vision

Balancing Meaning and Boundaries: Lessons from Healthcare Professionals with Donna Gaffney

Finding the delicate balance between personal meaning and professional boundaries in our lives can often feel like a tightrope walk. This challenge is particularly palpable in healthcare, where healthcare professionals often find themselves navigating the complexities of life and death, suffering, and healing.

The concept of meaningful work has gained increasing attention in recent years, drawing interest from organizational scholars, psychologists, and those in search of a more profound sense of purpose in their careers. While meaningful work can offer a plethora of benefits, it comes with its own set of unique challenges, especially finding ways of managing the boundaries between work and life.

Donna Gaffney, a seasoned psychotherapist and trauma nurse educator, shares her insights and experiences in her newly published book Courageous Wellbeing for Nurses: Strategies for Renewal.

Donna passionately underscores the transformative power of storytelling within the healthcare realm. She believes that sharing personal narratives not only helps healthcare professionals navigate their emotions but also fosters connections with empathetic peers and breathes purpose into their work.

Amid the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Donna volunteered with the Emotional PPE Project, conducting webinars for nurses on self-compassion and moral distress, later turning these insights into a book celebrating healthcare professionals' resilience. Her book showcases how nurses, initially hesitant, embraced their stories, highlighting their resourcefulness and growth amidst adversity.

The Double-Edged Sword of Meaning

The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath has posed an unprecedented challenge for healthcare professionals worldwide. The profound meaning they derive from saving lives, paradoxically puts them at risk of boundary inhibition and exploitation. In 2021, healthcare employees experienced the highest levels of overtime in more than a decade with more than 21% of health occupation workers in Canada, engaged in overtime work. On average, they put in 8.2 hours of paid overtime and 5.8 hours of unpaid overtime each week. The relentless pressure to continue delivering care at all costs took a toll on their mental and physical well-being.

However, Donna observed that the nurses' experiences harnessed their skills, talents, and assets to overcome challenges and foster personal and professional growth. Their journey aligned with the six dimensions of well-being, as outlined in Carol Ryff's research:

• Self-acceptance: Nurses embraced their unique qualities and learned self-compassion.

• Positive relationships: They nurtured connections with colleagues and found support within their healthcare community.

• Autonomy: Nurses displayed the courage to set boundaries and say no when necessary.

• Environmental mastery: They adapted to the ever-evolving healthcare landscape and sought ways to make a positive impact.

• Purpose in life: Nurses found renewed purpose in their work, motivating them to persevere.

• Personal growth: Through reflection and storytelling, nurses experienced personal growth and resilience.

Activism and Advocacy:

Donna underscores the transformative power of activism and advocacy within the healthcare profession. Nurses often find meaning and fulfillment by advocating for their patients and communities. Whether it involves pushing for policy changes or participating in grassroots movements, nurses can channel their passion into creating positive change.

Organizational Support:

Donna also acknowledges the pivotal role of organizational support in bolstering the well-being of healthcare professionals. Some hospitals adopted a strategy of rotating nurses to different units every two weeks to prevent burnout. Additionally, organizations can provide platforms for healthcare workers to share their experiences and offer resources for their emotional well-being.

Finding Meaning in Suffering:

Donna's work underscores the value of finding meaning in suffering. Healthcare professionals, like all humans, encounter challenges and distressing situations in their work. By embracing narratives, setting boundaries, and engaging in advocacy, individuals can transform these experiences into sources of personal growth and resilience.

Courageous Wellbeing for Nurses serves as a beacon of hope for healthcare professionals and beyond seeking to navigate the complex terrain of meaningful work and boundaries in their demanding roles. It encourages them to reflect on their experiences, find support within their communities, and practice self-compassion as they continue their vital work in healthcare. Ultimately, it reminds us that healthcare professionals are not superheroes but dedicated individuals who deserve our unwavering support and recognition for their commitment to improving the well-being of others.

In the quest for meaningful work, it's essential to remember that while the rewards can be immense, preserving personal boundaries is equally vital. The insights shared by healthcare professionals offer valuable guidance, emphasizing the significance of self-care, support systems, advocacy, introspection, and clear boundaries. Striking this delicate balance is key to a fulfilling and sustainable career.

Resources

Overview: Impacts of COVID-19 on health care providers | CIHI.

Courageous Well-Being for Nurses | Hopkins Press

Meaningful Work, Well-Being, and Health: Enacting a Eudaimonic Vision

The Double-Edged Sword of Meaningful Work: Lessons from Andrew Soren

In the bustling world of work and productivity, the quest for meaningful work has become a north star for many. But is all meaningful work beneficial?

Andrew Soren, founder of Eudaimonic by Design, hosts the debut episode of Meaningful Work Matters, which delves into the intricate dance between the highs and lows of engaging in work that matters deeply to us.

The Allure of Meaningful Work

Meaningful work is not a luxury but a fundamental component of our well-being. As Andrew elucidates, work that feels significant and worthwhile can enhance our commitment, engagement, and satisfaction. The benefits extend beyond the personal sphere, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and altruism within organizations.

The Hidden Costs

The research also reveals the dark sides of meaningful work: the potential for exploitation and burnout. When work has a high moral stake and becomes an obsession or when employers leverage our passion without decent working conditions, meaningful work can transform from a source of fulfillment into a wellspring of dissatisfaction, stress, and burnout.

The Crucial Element of Decency

Central to the discussion is the concept of "decent work" - safe, equitable, and dignified work. Drawing from the principles set by the Industrial Labor Organization, Soren advocates for a balance between meaning and decency. He argues that meaningful work, devoid of decency, can lead to exploitation and burnout. Conversely, work grounded in respect, equity, and security paves the way for true fulfillment.

Navigating the Path Forward

Andrew presents a blueprint for cultivating environments where meaningful and decent work can thrive. We need policies and regulations to ensure decent working conditions for those engaged in meaningful work. In organizations, we can design the cultures, practices, and leadership behaviors that enable those engaged in meaningful work to thrive. At the individual level, we can create interventions to help people understand what makes work personally significant and worthwhile and craft work that makes the most of an individual's strengths, values, and passions.

Your Role in Shaping Meaningful Work

As listeners, we're invited to reflect on our workplace and community roles. Whether you're a leader, policymaker, or team member, this podcast encourages you to consider how you can contribute to a more equitable and fulfilling work culture.

Join the Conversation

Meaningful Work Matters is not just a podcast; it's a call to action. As we navigate the complexities of the modern workforce, let's engage in conversations that matter. Share your thoughts, experiences, and aspirations with us. How do you define meaningful work? What steps can we take to ensure that work is meaningful and decent?

Visit our Resources page for insights and discussions on creating a better world through meaningful work. Together, we can make work a source of joy, growth, and fulfillment for all.

Resources to explore:

• Meaningful Work, Well-Being, and Health: Enacting a Eudaimonic Vision by Andrew Soren and Carol D. Ryff

Taking CARE of Work Boundaries: A Guide to Balancing Your Life

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to strike a balance between work and personal life. Many of us find ourselves constantly struggling to keep up with the demands of our work while still trying to manage our personal commitments. This is where work boundaries come in. By creating boundaries between our work and our personal lives, we can better manage our time and energy, leading to improved focus, productivity, and well-being. In this blog, we’ll take a look at Eudaimonic By Design’s Work Boundaries and explore the CARE framework for creating and maintaining work boundaries.

Step 1: Choose

The first step in creating work boundaries is to choose whether to segment or integrate our work and personal domains. Segmenters keep their domains separate, while Integrators are more fluid between the two. There are pros and cons to both approaches, and most people fall somewhere in between. It's important to reflect on our preferences and needs, and to decide when to segment and when to integrate based on our workload, projects, and level of focus needed.

Step 2: Actualize

The next step is to actualize our boundaries by setting up physical, temporal, cognitive, and behavioral boundaries. Physical boundaries include elements that physically distinguish the different domains, such as walls, doors, curtains, and dedicated workspaces. Temporal boundaries are all about times and timing, such as setting specific work hours, using a calendar to time-block different activities, and setting a timer to denote the end of one activity. Cognitive boundaries are about using thinking and processing patterns that are appropriate for one domain and not for another, such as finding a routine to get into a state of focus or flow, shifting our mindset, or turning off alerts and noises that might distract our attention from one task to another. Behavioral boundaries are about adopting different behaviors for different domains, such as wearing work clothes and changing into leisure clothes at the end of the day or using more formal language in the work environment.

Step 3: Rituals

Rituals are important for crossing boundaries between work and personal life. There are three types of rituals: those that end an activity, those that transition between activities, and those that start a new activity. Examples of rituals could include putting away your workspace to end an activity, walking to a new location to transition between activities, or taking a few deep breaths before beginning a new activity.

Step 4: Enacting

Finally, it's important to enact our boundaries with others. Boundaries work best when they are chosen by the individual and are supported by other people in the individual’s life, both at home and at work. This means communicating our boundaries clearly to our colleagues, family, and friends, and making sure they understand and respect them.

In conclusion, work boundaries are an essential aspect of achieving a healthy work-life balance. By choosing our preferred approach to segmenting or integrating our work and personal domains, actualizing our boundaries through physical, temporal, cognitive, and behavioral elements, adopting rituals to cross boundaries, and enacting our boundaries with others, we can better manage our time and energy, leading to improved focus, productivity, and well-being. Remember, taking care of our work boundaries means taking care of ourselves and those around us, which in turn helps us live happier and more fulfilled lives.

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Unlocking Your Best Self Through Positive Psychology

 A discussion about the gift of guiding others' curiosity and passion in a way that allows them to recognize their greatest strengths.

Join Eudaimonic by Design CEO Andrew Soren and host Dr. Jason ZW Powers on the Positive Recovery MD podcast, where they discuss a range of topics, including:

• The significance of daily gratitude and how to cultivate a gratitude practice

• The meaning of awe and how it can help rewire our mindset

• How positive psychology is the science of what goes right in our lives

• The value of intent and deliberate action to when faced with challenges

Learn the ways in which these concepts and positive psychology can help individuals transcend life’s challenges and live more fulfilling lives.

Find the episode on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

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Listen Now

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