Research from the American Psychological Association has shown that workers who perceive their jobs as meaningful report higher job satisfaction, are more engaged, have lower rates of absenteeism and even enjoy better health. And you don’t have to look any further than the younger generation of workers to truly see its importance. To Millennials and Gen Z, meaningful work isn’t just ‘nice to have’, it’s necessary.

Let’s break it down by the numbers, according to a 2025 survey by Deloitte:

• Gen Zs (89%) and millennials (92%) say a sense of purpose is important to their job satisfaction and well-being.
• More than half say meaningful work is very important when considering a potential employer.
• Forty-four percent of Gen Zs and 45% of millennials have left a role they felt lacked purpose.

How can organizations increase psychological meaningfulness, particularly among the younger generations who are craving it? It all starts with strong leadership and making it a priority – and making sure team members know it’s a priority! Here are 5 tips to help:

• Communicate the work’s bigger impact. It’s important to make team members aware of the connection between their contribution to a project and the result.
• Recognize team members’ potential. Ask them what they’re interested in, learn what their strengths are and match them with opportunities and mentors.
• Nurture personal connections. Staying connected and having personal relationships are essential for workplace well-being. Team events, check-ins, educational opportunities and volunteer outings are just a few examples leaders can promote.
• Give team members autonomy. Team members need to know they can take initiative and make decisions about their work.
• Make sure leaders ‘walk the walk’. There’s nothing more off-putting than leaders who say one thing and then practice another. Leaders need to act and lead in alignment with the organization’s values.

Meaning is a powerful workplace motivator. Yet, it’s one that many organizations either ignore or attempt half-heartedly. If you feel like psychological meaning is lacking in your office, Leah M Joppy and Associates can help. A fresh approach and perspective, combined with experience tackling all different types of employee disengagement issues is just what you need to jumpstart your team’s motivation!

Call us at 301-351-9523 or email us at leah@lmja.com to learn more.