Why is it important for your team to see that their work has meaning? Because most people need to know that their job exists for a reason, and they want to know that their work helps others or makes the world a better place. And if they understand this purpose, they’ll be more engaged and more motivated—and, therefore, more productive. So how can you help your people find purpose in their work?
1) Work together to write a mission statement.
Give your team or department ownership over what they do by writing up a mission or vision statement. While your company may have its own mission statement, which you can use as a basis for your own, you want your people to create a more personal one. Get together as a department or team to identify your customers’ needs, the ways the team will meet them, and how success will be measured.
To help your people brainstorm, use the “5 Whys Technique.” Start with the general question, “Why does this team or department exist?” and keep drilling down with more detailed “why” questions until you reveal your team’s deeper purpose. Once you’ve written your team’s mission or vision statement, display it where everyone can see.
2) Connect your team members’ personal goals to organizational goals.
Sit down with each person in your department and review the goals of the organization as well as your team. Work together to identify their motivations and see how they fit in with the company’s goals. This will help them understand how their skills and interests matter.
3) Help your team members identify their strengths.
When people do work that uses their strengths, they will be more engaged and more personally satisfied. Show them how their strengths relate to the mission statement, and more importantly, figure out how to give them more tasks that use these strengths in their day-to-day work.
4) Create a positive work environment.
A supportive, pleasant working environment will bring out the best in your team. Encourage members to socialize before meetings, or outside of work. Celebrate milestones. Most importantly, give your employees more autonomy over their work, and provide learning and career development opportunities. When people are happy to be at work, they’ll stay connected to their purpose.
5) Provide regular feedback.
You’ve pulled together your team to create a mission and vision, you’ve helped them identify and align their strengths, and you’ve shown them how to achieve both personal and professional goals. But it can’t just end there. You need to provide reminders and motivation, and positive feedback will show your team that their work is noticed and that it’s making a difference. One of the best ways? Share stories from customers or clients that show how your team is making a positive difference—it will help keep them connected to their purpose.
At Staffers, we believe in helping people find jobs that they’re passionate about. We’d be happy to help you hire committed, motivated employees! To learn more about our Jackson staffing services, contact us today!
