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The Meaning of Work

Why do we work?

 Most of us would say we work for financial reasons. Since we spend almost 1/3 of our lives at work, shouldn’t there be more to work than just meeting our financial needs? Michael Steger researches the meaning and quality of life. Meaningful work helps us to get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes our workplace provides a positive, cohesive work culture. Creative people may have to bring meaning to a somewhat “meaningless” work environment.

There are three factors in defining meaningful work are:

  • Your job should make sense to you.
  • You should understand how your work fits into the bigger picture.
  • You see how your work benefits others.

If you are not fulfilled at work, take time to consider what would bring meaning to your life. Set some goals to help you get engaged in life. If your job does not motivate you, try volunteering or mentoring. Find ways to use your best skills.

Satisfying work not only helps us life longer, but people who are satisfied with life have a lower risk of heart disease. Fulfilling a sense of purpose in life helps us to be healthier, happier and live longer.  

This is Sheila Harrell with the Church Health Center.

Michael F. Steger, Laboratory for the Study of Meaning and Quality of Life
Psychosomatic Medicine: Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine, December 2015
Why We Work (TED books) by Barry Schwartz            

 

If you have a question for Life Matters, send it to health@wkno.org.