Unleashing Workplace Joy: Discovering Purpose: Tips to Amplify Self-Actualization on the Job
Enhancing self-actualization in the workplace: Strategies for personal growth and professional development
Getting your groove on at work and loving your gig in the long haul calls for digging into that heartfelt feeling of, "I'm making a difference." Organizational psychologist Selma Fehrmann shares insights on how to intensify this sense of fulfillment. According to her, purpose and self-actualization rank among the five top elements for work bliss— alongside camaraderie, balance, and security.
The ones who understand "why they leap from bed" act with self-determination and consider their work worthwhile and impactful, asserts the expert. But what exactly is this self-realization lark? Per Fehrmann, it's all about utilizing one's talents, interests, and values on the job. Employees who can play their A-game more often experience those elusive flow states, feel more effective, and appreciate their tasks more.
Small Nudges: Bolstering Work Joy
Great news: "Everyone carries the potential to boost their work joy," says Fehrmann. Key to this is developing self-mastery, which means taking charge over your emotions, thoughts, and actions. To experience more purpose on the job, get real about what matters to you.
A handy tool is the celebrated Ikigai model. It asks four questions:- What I Adore: What brings me pleasure and zest?- What I'm Gifted At: Where do I excel and shine?- What the World Longs For: How can I contribute meaningfully to society?- What I Can Cash In: What professional activities reward me financially?
Other pointers: Remain mindful of who you help with your labor, or routinely scrutinize what you bring to the table collectively. Simple tweaks in your daily routine might enable a better match between work and your strengths.
An alternative option: Professionals might conscientiously log three instances each week when their work packed a powerful punch, advises the organizational psychologist.
Expansion Possible Even in Limited Roles
Intriguingly, self-realization can also bloom in jobs that seem limiting, says Fehrmann. This often hinges on using one's strengths more specifically— say, via team projects or unique tasks.
Advice Avoiding the Motivation Plunge: Escaping a Stagnant Career Rut Bonus tip from the author: Go digging for purpose outside of work, especially when there's little room for flourishing in your main gig. Creative hobbies, societal engagements, or human connections can bolster feelings of personal power. A "mission challenge," where you do something each day that boosts others or inspires them, can also provide fresh momentum.
Research indicates that many folks grapple with motivation on the job. This notion is reinforced by a survey conducted by the market research institute Appinio in April 2025 on behalf of the software company Awork among 1000 office employees.
A majority of workers do their tasks neutrally, with 59 percent diligently performing their duties without pushing the envelope. 7 percent just scrape by with the bare minimum at work.
Sources: ntv.de, awi/dpa
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- About the Ikigai Model:The Ikigai model (Reason for Being) is a well-known Japanese concept that helps individuals understand their life purpose by integrating four key components: Passion, Talent, Benefit to the World, and Financial Rewards.
- How the Ikigai Model Fosters Purpose:The Ikigai model assists employees in finding their purpose by aligning their passions and talents with societal needs and financial rewards. By using the model, individuals can discover whatmost resonates with their work and optimize their sense of fulfillment.
- Supporting Self-Realization:To nurture self-realization, leaders can apply the Ikigai model to establish purpose-driven work environments that value employees' passions, talents, and societal contributions. This approach can lead to increased engagement and job satisfaction. Regular self-reflection and feedback from colleagues can also help individuals identify areas where they can optimize their personal Ikigai.
- To amplify self-actualization on the job, one can follow the Ikigai model, a well-known Japanese concept that integrates passions, talents, benefits to the world, and financial rewards, to find purpose by aligning these elements.
- For career development and personal growth, workers might consider education-and-self-development opportunities within their community or employment policies offered by their organizations, fostering self-realization by optimizing their sense of fulfillment and contribution to society.
