The National Study on Meaningful Work in America
77% of Workers believe organizations confuse busyness with meaningfulness.
67% Say meaningful work matters more than high pay.
71% Say leaders shape meaningful work more than organizations.
What Makes Work Meaningful—and Why Does It Matter?
In this first-of-its-kind study, led by Work. Meaningful. in partnership with The Center for Generational Kinetics, we uncover what drives meaningful work for Americans across generations, genders, industries, and organizational levels.
Based on national research, this study provides leaders with actionable insights to increase engagement, strengthen culture, improve retention, and help people find greater meaning in their work.
Why This Study Matters
Organizations invest heavily in engagement, wellbeing, and culture. Yet many leaders still struggle to answer a simple question:
What actually makes work meaningful?
This study reveals:
- The top drivers of meaningful work
- Generational similarities and differences
- The connection between meaning, engagement, and performance
- What leaders can do to create more meaningful workplaces
Key Findings You'll Discover
- Meaning Drives More Than Engagement: Employees who find meaning in their work are more likely to be motivated, committed, and productive.
- Generations Share More Than You Think: The research challenges common assumptions about what different generations want from work.
- Leaders Have More Influence Than They Realize: Manager behaviors and workplace culture significantly impact employees' experience of meaningful work.
- Meaning Can Be Intentionally Created: The study identifies practical actions organizations can take to increase meaningful work across teams.
Who Should Read This?
- Executives & Business Leaders
- HR & People Leaders
- Managers & Team Leaders
- Learning & Development Professionals
- Consultants & Coaches
About Justin Jones-Fosu
Founder of Work. Meaningful.: Speaker, researcher, philanthropist, and author on a mission to equip organizations, leaders, and individuals to Create Meaning™ in how they work, live, and give.
Book Justin to speak about Meaningful Work or Creating Meaning
Meaningful work isn't something employees find. It's something leaders intentionally create.
The organizations that win talent in the future will be the organizations that create meaning today.