Meaning at work has become a major concern over the last thirty years. Today, it is common to hear about the widespread loss of meaning among workers. But where has this lost meaning gone? For many, it is not so much the loss of a vanished meaning that overwhelms them, but rather the realization of its absence, leading to a feeling of dizziness, emptiness, fear, even frustration.
This realization has a significant impact on well-being at work. Whether in Canada, the United States or Europe, particularly in France, one in two people feel a lack of meaning in their work, according to data from 2023.
Global-Watch has produced a new tool that explores the issue of meaning at work and highlights the role of reflection time in the feeling of loss of meaning. It proposes courses of action, both individual and collective, aimed at cultivating meaningful work, thus enabling everyone to reconnect with their professional aspirations.
Exclusive to Global-Watch affiliated employers
Defining meaning at work
Meaning at work can be defined as the degree to which an employee manages to connect his or her self-concept to his or her professional environment. It is about the interrelationship between the feeling of identity (who am I?), one’s role at work (what do I do?), the groups to which one belongs (with whom do I do it?) and the justification for one’s presence at work (why am I here?).
The pandemic has disrupted this perception of meaning, making the answers to these questions more confusing. Teleworking has often led to a loss of connection with others, which is difficult to reproduce through technology, and a less socially supportive work environment.
Authorized users of affiliated employers can access this tool now. Find out more about affiliation now.
