Finding meaning and happiness in your work

Let’s face it – work takes up a huge chunk of our lives. We spend hours, days, and years doing it, so feeling happy at work is important! In this article, I curiously explore the link between meaningful work and happiness and point out simple ways you can create more of both in your work life, without needing to change it very much.

But what does it mean for work to be “meaningful,” and why is it such a big deal for your overall happiness?

What does 'meaningful work' mean?

When people talk about meaningful work, they generally mean work that means something to you personally. It’s the kind of work that feels important, it's creating change or making a difference in a way that is significant to you.

This is the most obvious (and some might say, idealistic) understanding taken from the expression, yet meaningful work can look different for everyone. For me, I prefer the following way of looking at it:

Meaningful work is anything that allows you to operate in a way which is expressing the best parts of yourself or your core values, provides an opportunity for your evolution, personal growth or makes some kind of contribution which is of genuine value to others.

Going by this definition, any job can be meaningful (as long as it isn't in violation of your core boundaries) if you use it as an opportunity, as stated above!

Why meaningful work is important

According to CIPD.org, mental health (and one can assume, happiness) is undermined by a lack of purpose. Performing work that doesn't feel meaningful can thus be linked to low levels of happiness – if a sense of purpose is not obtained elsewhere in life. 

When you spend as many hours working as is the norm in our culture, it is important to feel engaged and invested, rather than just being a means to an end! Yes, we all want to be paid for the work that we do, but how amazing is it when your work gives you more than just money?

Doing meaningful work boosts fulfilment and can create a sense of accomplishment, purpose or value. It helps stop work from feeling like a chore you have to complete and becomes an endeavour in which you are a willing participant. It is rare for jobs to be without stress, but the tough days don’t seem as bad when your work feels meaningful. 

Moreover, if your job reflects your personal values, like helping others, being creative, or being part of a team, it feels more authentic. You’re not just doing the work – you’re being true to who you are. This sense of alignment can make your work feel like a natural extension of yourself, rather than just a series of tasks to complete.

How to find meaning in your work

As I suggested earlier, meaning and happiness can be found in any job if you know how to find them.

Changing how you think about your job, the energy you bring to your work, or finding ways to bring more of yourself into it can do just that. Here are a few tips to help:

Audit your energy

Be aware of what energy you are bringing to your workplace. Are you arriving with an attitude of "Another day at the grindstone, urgh" or "I hate this place and all the people in it!"? The energy that you bring is a force and believe it or not, it influences your experience of your workday. Seriously. Try spending a day wholeheartedly connected to the desire to find joy and meaning in your work, rather than whatever negative you might usually bring and see what difference it makes to your day!

Reflect on your values

What matters most to you? Is it creativity, making a difference, personal growth, or maybe teamwork? Once you know what your core values are, look for ways to bring them into your work. Even small shifts can make a big difference. Try this question on for size.  "If I wanted to be the next greatest expression of myself, how does my work allow me to do this?"

Focus on the bigger picture

Sometimes it helps to zoom out and think about how your work contributes to something larger. Even if your day-to-day tasks don’t feel exciting, knowing that they play a role in a bigger goal can give you a sense of purpose. For example, keeping a workplace clean is an extremely important part of that organisation being able to function at all!

Grow friendships

We are creatures of connections and the workplace can provide many opportunities to form friendships and a sense of community. Even if you work on your own, try looking for opportunities to connect with others through your work. Perhaps via networking or a peer support group.