This Working Life

Purpose as the antidote for disengagement at work

Mar 28, 2025
Debbie Haski-Leventhal, a Professor of Management at Macquarie University, delves into the quest for purpose at work. She discusses how meaningful work can dramatically enhance job satisfaction and engagement. The conversation covers the disconnect between lofty corporate mission statements and genuine employee fulfillment. Haski-Leventhal also highlights the positive impact of community initiatives and corporate volunteering on employee morale, urging organizations to bridge personal passions with professional goals for greater workplace happiness.
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INSIGHT

Purpose at Work

  • Purpose at work is the reason for a job's existence, asking why it was created.
  • It encompasses organizational, role-specific, and extra-role purposes.
INSIGHT

Why Purpose Matters

  • People seek purpose at work for a sense of meaning and significance, not just income.
  • It's a biological drive linked to well-being, impacting hormones and overall satisfaction.
ADVICE

Meaningful Work

  • While work doesn't require meaning, it improves well-being and reduces employee turnover.
  • Employers should facilitate employee purpose for better engagement and retention.
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