This session will explore a glimpse of new ways to promote diversity and inclusion through meaningful work for all and to become more effective in leading organizations sustainably. In this session, participants will:
1) learn the Meaning-of-Work (MOW) Theory for High Performance that places “meaningful work” at the center of individuals’ and organizations’ sustainable growth;
2) assess how they make meaning in their work; and
3) start considering specific ways they can apply the MOW Theory to promote diversity and inclusion at work.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that concerns for and promotion of others’ wellbeing (i.e., altruism) ultimately benefit us all. Hence, corporations are more than ever paying attention to employee wellbeing as a productivity indicator. Undoubtedly, more organizations and nations will adopt practices of conscious capitalism and wellbeing economy that are gradually gaining legitimacy for sustainable growth. In addition to physical wellbeing, though, both types of psychological wellbeing—namely hedonistic wellbeing (happiness) and eudemonic wellbeing (meaning)—are essential for human wellbeing. Not surprisingly, meaningful work is indeed strongly associated with high performance. While the hierarchical relationship between higher purpose and meaning has not been clearly determined yet, higher purpose appears to be the most powerful determinant in making positive meaning in life and work.
Primarily built on universal innate psychological needs, the MOW Theory is fit to: 1) unlock which intrinsic motivators are crucial for us individually to perceive our work meaningful; and 2) help us embrace and practice diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Raising awareness on our meaning-making, we can, in turn, become more skillful as leaders in creating environments conducive to positive meaning-making across diverse employee demographics. To become leaders that promote meaningful work and ultimately wellbeing for all, we must re-think, re-imagine, and re-organize work, organizational structure, culture, policies, and procedures.