Giving work purpose
This job quality intervention outlines how workforce and economic agencies can use multiple approaches to help foster ikigai, or purpose and meaning in the workplace.
Purpose and Meaning
The extent jobseekers and workers feel work tasks are significant, interesting, and challenging. This also includes how well a job, career path, specific employer or industry aligns with an individual’s strengths, interests and values.
How others put this principle into practice
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Quest Diagnostics had high turnover and operational issues, leading to frustrated employees and customers. In 2015, under new leadership, the company launched a Good Jobs Transformation to improve the performance and lives of the workers through creating greater meaning and purpose at work.
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Firebrand Bakery in Oakland operates as an employee-owned trust with commitments to hire marginalized groups, profit sharing, equitable supply chains, and long-term success over short-term profits.
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The San Diego Workforce Partnership uses videos to help jobseekers align employment plans with their "ikigai," exploring strengths, values, and job quality preferences while addressing skill shortages and job openings.