Purpose is the connection between an individual’s values, belief systems, and their contributions to the greater good of society. It is the guiding intention that provides direction and fulfillment. It’s not just about personal ambition; it is the desire to align one’s work with a sense of meaning. Researchers have found that individuals with high levels of purpose have greater levels of life satisfaction, educational attainment, financial success and even longevity.
Given the positive benefits purpose plays in our lives, it is not surprising that McKinsey & Company found that employees who find purpose in their work are significantly more engaged, motivated, and likely to stay with their employers. In addition, employees who are purpose driven are also more effective and innovative.
In 2024, Gallup found employee satisfaction levels are at a record low and large numbers of employees are frustrated and discontent at work. Gallup calls this the “Great Detachment.” With employees disconnected from their employer’s mission and their own individual purpose, companies are at risk for low productivity and future talent loss.
The big question is, how do employers help their employees connect to organization’s mission and create their own sense of purpose at work? There are several ways to strengthen an organization’s mission and increase purpose driven leadership.
- Make the Mission Personal – Encourage leaders to discuss mission and purpose at weekly meetings and tie the mission into everyday actions. Help employees understand how their contributions matter to the organization and to the world. Misson and purpose bond people together.
- Embed Purpose into Onboarding and Training – Help employees understand the “why” behind actions and “why” the organization exists.
- Create Community – Employees who feel they are part of a community are more engaged and less likely to leave. Host Town Halls, promote small group gatherings and encourage collaboration across the organization.
- Promote Growth and Personal Empowerment – Give employees room to grow and develop by providing continuing education, mentorship and career pathways that align with the mission and the organization’s purpose.
- Celebrate Outcomes Based on Personal Stories of Purpose – Celebrate moments of service, growth and collaboration. Help employees build reflective practices to understand how their work makes a difference each week.
Organizations who can connect employees to their mission and their individual purpose stand to be more productive, innovative and inspire people’s best work.
