Chapter 5
Meaningful work
- There is no universally accepted meaning of life because the meaning of life
is shaped by our every changing environment and context.
- There are 2 dimensions that help understand the meaning of life though.
1. The source
▪ Transcendent source
▪ Materialistic source
2. The focal point
▪ Individualistic focus
▪ Holistic focus
- Meaningful work enhances the meaning of life of those doing work. because
people spend so much time at work, it becomes a primary source of their
purpose, identity and belonging
- According to the 3 key criteria, work is more meaningful for people who
1. Experience a fit between their job and sense of purpose/true self
2. Believes their work gives them power and opportunities to make a
difference in the world
3. Feel valued and sense of belonging in their workplace
Problems when work lack meaningfulness
- May lead to; depression, decreased phycological well-being, lower self-
esteem, poor resilience to burnout, and higher risk of suicide
Approaches to meaningful work
1. FBL – promotes the view that meaning of life has a lot to do with individuals
and orgs achieving financial success. The messages promoted in the mass
Meaningful work
- There is no universally accepted meaning of life because the meaning of life
is shaped by our every changing environment and context.
- There are 2 dimensions that help understand the meaning of life though.
1. The source
▪ Transcendent source
▪ Materialistic source
2. The focal point
▪ Individualistic focus
▪ Holistic focus
- Meaningful work enhances the meaning of life of those doing work. because
people spend so much time at work, it becomes a primary source of their
purpose, identity and belonging
- According to the 3 key criteria, work is more meaningful for people who
1. Experience a fit between their job and sense of purpose/true self
2. Believes their work gives them power and opportunities to make a
difference in the world
3. Feel valued and sense of belonging in their workplace
Problems when work lack meaningfulness
- May lead to; depression, decreased phycological well-being, lower self-
esteem, poor resilience to burnout, and higher risk of suicide
Approaches to meaningful work
1. FBL – promotes the view that meaning of life has a lot to do with individuals
and orgs achieving financial success. The messages promoted in the mass
