From passion to pathos: the challenge of searching for meaning and belonging at work
That number has been known for nearly two decades.Already in 2006, the Gallup Employee Engagement Index revealed only 29% of respondents demonstrated active engagement with their job, described as passionate or as feeling a profound connection to the company.“An emotional and psychological bond between workers and workplaces,” engagement is “the degree to which an employee works with passion and feels a profound connection to the company.”(1) This matters because, to Gallup, “the number one determinant of happiness is ‘a good job’: work that is meaningful and done in the company of people we care about.” (2)An “engaged employee” is usually very positive and enthusiastic about their work and actively and positively supports colleagues and the organization. They are less likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression within eight months. They feel less stress; more happiness and interest offset the stress they do feel.The “actively disengaged” 17% are unproductive and unhappy and actively spread their unhappiness to others. They can have a very negative impact on their immediate surroundings, suppliers, and customers.In between are 54% of not engaged employees: “mentally checked-out” or “sleepwalking through their workday and putting time — but not passion — into their work.” The result was that “disengagement can be really depressing.”
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