People want purposeful work, and managers know it. That’s why companies try to inspire employees with mission statements about the impact their work can have. Ikea tells employees they’re “creating a better everyday life”; Microsoft says they’re “empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more in the world.” Managers often encourage employees to think about why they do the work they do, hoping to give them a sense of purpose and fight against demotivation.
How to Make Even the Most Mundane Tasks More Motivating
Connect them to a broader goal.
July 24, 2019
Summary.
People want purposeful work. That’s why companies try to inspire employees with mission statements about the impact their work can have. But constantly hearing messages about making an impact when one’s work doesn’t feel very impactful can backfire — employees might ruminate about the lack of meaning in their work and become less motivated and engaged. Research suggests that managers can help employees see how even the most mundane tasks contribute to a larger goal, imbuing their work with meaning and keeping them motivated.
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HBR Learning
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Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.