Other- (vs. self-) oriented meaning interventions enhance momentary work engagement through changes in work
Katarzyna Cantarero1, Wijnand A P van Tilburg2, Ewelina Smoktunowicz3
1Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw.
Journal of Counseling Psychology
|November 15, 2021
Summary
A brief online exercise significantly improved employees' momentary work engagement (MWE) by increasing their sense of work meaningfulness. This simple intervention offers a practical method to boost job satisfaction and productivity.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Psychology
- Occupational Health Psychology
Background:
- Employee engagement and meaningful work are critical for job satisfaction and productivity.
- Identifying scalable interventions to enhance perceived work meaningfulness is an ongoing challenge in organizational research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if a short, online meaning intervention can increase momentary work engagement (MWE) by enhancing perceived work meaningfulness.
- To explore the mediating role of work meaningfulness in the intervention's effect on MWE.
- To compare different framing strategies for the intervention (e.g., greater good vs. career advancement).
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted with employees (N=227 and N=254).
- Participants completed a short, online writing intervention focused on the meaningfulness of their work.
- Control groups and different intervention conditions (e.g., focusing on greater good, career advancement) were used.
Main Results:
- The meaning intervention significantly increased both perceived work meaningfulness and MWE compared to control groups.
- Perceived work meaningfulness was found to mediate the relationship between the intervention and MWE.
- Writing about work serving a greater good was particularly effective in increasing work meaningfulness.
Conclusions:
- A brief, accessible online intervention can effectively enhance work meaningfulness and, consequently, momentary work engagement.
- This research provides a practical tool for organizations seeking to improve employee well-being and performance.
- Understanding the sources of meaningful work is key to fostering positive occupational outcomes.
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