The Power of Purpose
The Ultimate Source of Motivation

In the whirlwind world we live in, with its relentless demand for our time, energy, and focus, we're all in search of a magic potion to keep us running at full steam. What's the secret sauce, you ask? Let me introduce you to an age-old concept, repackaged for the 21st century workplace - Purpose.

This isn't just a buzzword. Think of it as your compass in the chaos, your beacon in the fog of daily to-dos. It's that deep-seated sense of direction that keeps you going, even on those dreary Monday mornings. With purpose, you’re not merely existing, you have every chance of flourishing.

But don't just take my word for it. The Journal of Research in Personality spells it out in black and white: a strong sense of purpose is directly linked to better mental and physical health, 43% reduced risk of depression, 46% reduced risk of mortality¹, sky-high life satisfaction, and an overall greater sense of well-being².

But why stop at personal life? Let's supercharge our work-life with purpose, too. When employees can see how their hard work weaves into the organisation's grand tapestry, their work transforms from mundane tasks to meaningful contributions. This newfound sense of meaning fuels engagement, teamwork, and dedication to the organisation's success story.

It's like being part of a larger-than-life movie. When you're not just a bystander, but a key player in the narrative, you feel a sense of ownership. This motivates you to take initiatives and responsibilities head-on, painting a bigger, brighter picture for the organisation.

Let’s diver deeper into what the win is, so there’s no doubt that purpose is worth the effort, investment and priority in both your business and your life.

Positive Work Environment

Here's a revelation: Purpose is a potent tool to cultivate a positive work culture. It acts as a magnet, attracting individuals rich in talent and dedication. Organisations savvy enough to prioritise purpose and values witness a higher influx of such individuals.

The end result? A collaborative workspace where employees, interconnected through shared purpose and values, band together to accomplish common objectives. This collective effort breeds a positive work environment, paving the way for stronger colleague relationships, satisfaction among employees and an enhanced overall work experience. This in return results in higher productivity, lower turnover, greater satisfaction and profitability for the company.

Increased Productivity

Let's turn to the gurus at Gallup for even more evidence. Their research reveals that purpose-driven employees are not just happier, but more engaged³, which in return results in 17% increase in productivity, and 41% lower absenteeism⁴. Armed with a sense of meaning, these individuals are naturally driven to give their best, embrace challenges, and innovate in problem-solving. This level of dedication and willingness to excel feeds into the organisation's success.

How Can You Build a Purpose-driven Organisation?

Given its profound impact on both individuals and organisations, the power of purpose is not to be trifled with.

Here are three ways to build a purpose-driven organisation:

1. Clear Articulation of Mission and Values: Define your organisation's mission and values in a way that resonates with your team. Show them how their efforts help achieve these grand goals. It will allow them to connect with the organisation on a deeper level.

2. Celebrate Purpose-driven Achievements: Make a big deal of victories, especially those aligning with the organisation's purpose. Appreciation is contagious. It fuels motivation and further drives the pursuit of organisational goals.

3. Regular Check-ins on Employee Engagement: Self-awareness is a powerful tool. Regularly check in on how each employee is engaging with the organisation's mission and values. This knowledge will help you determine the next steps in your organisation's journey.

SHAPE is your co-pilot on this purpose-driven journey. We help you understand how well your organisation aligns with its purpose and values. Our insights guide your trajectory, enabling you to make the right decisions to empower your employees to truly flourish at work.

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__¹__Eric S. Kim, Y. C. (2021). Sense of Purpose in Life and Subsequent Physical, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Health: An Outcome-Wide Approach. American Journal of Health Promotion.

__²__Hill, P. L., & Turiano, N. A. (2014). Purpose in life as a predictor of mortality across adulthood. Journal of Research in Personality, 49, 1-4. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2013.08.2006

__³__Harter, J., Schmidt, F. L., & Hayes T. L. (2002). Business-unit-level relationship between employee satisfaction, employee engagement, and business outcomes: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 87(2), 268-279. doi:10.1037/0021-9010.87.2.268

__⁴__Harter, J. (2022). Employee Engagement vs. Employee Satisfaction and Organizational Culture. Gallup