The Meaning of Meaning
How much value does meaning have for employee retention? A lot! Much of the mechanistic focus on incentives, the superficial business of talking about meaning, purpose with the large gap in living it, creates working environments where people have to leave their true identity at home and become more chameleon-like to survive at the office. While older generations were trained to 'suck it up' younger generations have zero tolerance for incongruence and simply won't work with artificial sincerity. They leave.
So what is meaning anyway?
Gurnek Bains, one of the authors of Meaning Inc., talks about creating meaning that is real, is felt, sensed by employees. Companies that fit that profile are characterized by:
- an invigorating sense of purpose that goes beyond business success to serve society, the environment and community;
- set stretching goals and are not afraid to tread uncharted territory to fulfill purpose;
- have an innovative approach to benefits which connects to the individuality of each employee.
Given that the majority of people want to know that what they are doing truly makes a difference, it makes perfect sense that being in touch with your purpose organizationally means also knowing when you are not. This takes a level of awareness that is not found in fancy rationale. It is found in a core connection with value placed on relationship which is not driven by 'what is in it for me'.
Intrinsically, there is a knowing that an interconnection exists between all things. Business has largely ignored that. It cannot be ignored any longer and there are many business which fully grasp the advantage that comes with understanding how to connect with employees and then expand that connection to purpose and contribution.
Self awareness is valuable to individuals. It is a strategic asset for companies.
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