The Importance of Purpose in the Workplace

As we get deeper into 2023, we're continuing to see the trend of employees leaving their long-time companies and forging new career paths. And a lot of business owners are panicking and trying to stop their people from leaving.

They usually offer salary increases and extra vacation days as quick-fix solutions to make them stay, but that's not what employees want or need. They want to meaningfully connect to their work and their team. They want a a sense of purpose. 

When employees know their work matters and their purpose is aligned with that of their company, great things happen. They’re loyal, engaged, and proud of what they do and where they work. And valued, happy employees results in improved morale and reduced turnover rates.

Purpose-driven well-being is all about shared values. And employees are increasingly declining to work for companies whose true values are nonexistent, or clash with their own. 

As you look to address the health and wellness of your workforce this year, make sure your employee wellness program covers purpose-driven well-being, one of the 6 areas of well-being. 

All 6 areas of well-being are connected — you can’t really focus on purpose-driven well-being without factoring in mental health. For example, creating a culture of meaningful work will also help boost your employees' mental health and emotional well-being.

As we wrap up our wellness series with this sixth and final installment, we're diving deeper into the importance of purpose and how you can demonstrate it and promote it in the workplace.

Cultivating a purpose-driven work environment

As research continues to emphasize the role of purpose and meaning in the workplace, companies are recognizing the value of fostering a purpose-driven environment that promotes employee well-being.

Leaders at great workplaces know that purpose is not found in a mission statement buried somewhere in a forgotten employee handbook. Rather, they actively help employees connect what they do with the company's purpose.

Here are a few ways you can promote purpose and meaning in your workplace.

Build a strong brand.

A strong employer brand can help you attract and retain talent who align with your values and mission. By clearly communicating your organization's purpose, you can create a sense of shared meaning and inspire employees to contribute to your objectives.

Create purpose-first jobs.

When designing job roles, consider how they can contribute to your company's mission and provide employees with a sense of purpose and meaning. By incorporating elements of meaningful work into your job descriptions, you can help your team understand the impact of their work.

Promote healthy work-life balance.

It's so important to encourage your employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. By offering flexible work arrangements, supporting personal interests, and acknowledging the importance of downtime, you can help your team strike a balance that enhances their sense of meaning and purpose.

Share the responsibility.

Involve your employees in decisions. By including your team during the decision-making process, you can foster a sense of ownership and purpose. This can help your employees feel more connected to their work, and better understand the impact of their contributions to your organization's success.

At OnSite Wellness, we can help you implement an engaging, purpose-driven wellness program at your workplace. Employee health and wellness is our specialty. Reach out today to get started.