A recent McKinsey study found that 31% of employees left their previous jobs because they lacked meaningful work. Meanwhile, research shows that employees who find their work fulfilling are 87% less likely to leave their organisations.

So, whether you’re a founder trying to retain talent or a job seeker looking for work you genuinely care about, focusing on meaningful work is key. Let’s break down why it matters – and how to find it.

Why meaningful work keeps people around

Think about a time when you felt truly engaged in your work. Chances are, you were invested in what you were doing, and you felt you were making a positive difference. That’s what meaningful work does. It connects daily tasks to a bigger purpose, creating a sense of fulfilment.

When employees believe their work has real value, they’re more motivated, more productive, and, most importantly, more likely to stick around. In fact, research suggests that meaningful work is one of the biggest drivers of employee engagement and retention.

For startups and growing businesses, this means that hiring the right people isn’t just about skills. It’s about making sure they feel connected to the mission and that their role contributes to something bigger.

For job seekers, it means taking the time to find roles that align with what you truly care about. But how do you do that?

Five steps to finding meaningful work

If you’re looking for a role that actually excites you, start with these steps:

1. Identify what matters to you

Before applying anywhere, take a step back and think about what actually drives you. What problems do you want to solve? What kind of impact do you want to have?

A good exercise is writing down three things:

• The work you enjoy doing
• The values that matter most to you
• The type of environment where you do your best work

This will help you filter out roles that don’t align and focus on those that do.

2. Research companies (not just roles)

A great job at the wrong company won’t feel meaningful. Before applying, look into a company’s mission, culture and leadership. Check their website, Glassdoor reviews and LinkedIn to see if their values align with yours.

Some questions to ask:

• Do they invest in their employees' growth?
• Are they socially responsible or mission-driven?
• Does their culture support work-life balance and employee wellbeing?

3. Find work that plays to your strengths

Meaningful work isn’t just about what a company does – it’s about what you do. Research shows that employees are more engaged when their work aligns with their natural strengths.

So instead of chasing job titles, focus on roles where you can:

• Use your existing skills in a way that excites you
• Continue developing in areas that interest you
• See how your work directly contributes to a bigger goal

4. Evaluate culture during interviews

An interview is just as much for you as it is for the company. Ask about the team culture, how success is measured and what career growth looks like.

Good signs:
✅ Leadership that prioritises employee wellbeing
✅ Clear opportunities for learning and development
✅ A team that’s genuinely excited about their work

Red flags:
🚩 High turnover rates or unclear career paths
🚩 Leadership that avoids answering culture-related questions
🚩 No flexibility or support for work-life balance

5. Prioritise growth & development

One of the biggest reasons people leave jobs is a lack of growth opportunities. In fact, according to Harvard Business Review, employees who receive regular learning and development opportunities are 34% more likely to stay.

Look for companies that:

• Offer mentorship, training or learning stipends
• Provide clear career progression opportunities
• Encourage employees to innovate and take on new challenges

Work is such a huge part of life and settling for something that feels meaningless can lead to burnout and disengagement. But when you align your role with your values and strengths, work becomes more than just a pay check – it becomes something you actually look forward to.

For employers, creating an environment where people feel valued and connected to their work isn’t just good for morale – it’s a retention strategy. And for job seekers, finding meaningful work is the key to a fulfilling career.

So, as you navigate your next career move (or hiring decision), remember people don’t just want jobs – they want purpose. The companies that prioritise this will win the talent race. The employees who seek it out will build careers they love.