The Quest for Meaning at Work: Perspectives from All Sides 🌟
According to the Quest for Meaning at Work report, 97% of Singaporeans say having a sense of meaning in their careers is important. Employees are looking for better working conditions—flexible hours, comprehensive health insurance, and equal pay top the list. But what does this mean for the different players in the workforce?
As a company owner, I think about meaning in terms of impact. Building a company where employees feel valued, supported, and fulfilled isn’t just good ethics—it’s smart business. Happy employees are productive employees. But balancing this with operational goals, especially as startups need everyone to do more with less, is a tough line to walk.
From a worker’s perspective, the desire for flexibility is real. They want to work smarter, not harder, while also balancing personal commitments. It’s about building a career without sacrificing life outside work. But I also hear the concerns of employers. They want people in the office, collaborating, building culture, and solving problems face-to-face.
So, how do we bridge this gap? The solution lies in finding a hybrid approach—one that respects employees’ need for flexibility while fostering a culture of collaboration and purpose. Meaning at work is possible when both sides feel they’re seen, heard, and supported.