Podcast Summary
Finding meaning and satisfaction in our work: Job crafting involves seeing our jobs as a calling, finding meaning in what we do, and aligning it with our values and passions to increase overall job satisfaction and happiness in life.
The way we perceive and approach our work significantly impacts our satisfaction and overall well-being. According to Amy Riznowski, professor of organizational behavior at the Yale School of Management, people who view their jobs as a calling, rather than just a means to an end, are more satisfied with their lives and tend to be better performers. This concept is known as job crafting, which involves finding meaning and satisfaction in the work we have, rather than waiting for the perfect job. Two examples given by Riznowski illustrate this point. A corporate securities lawyer saw his job as a necessary evil, while a taxidermist found immense satisfaction in creating pieces that moved people to tears. Surprisingly, it was the taxidermist who reported greater job satisfaction. Research suggests that the experiences and perceptions of work vary greatly across all types of jobs, and it's essential to recognize this. By focusing on the meaningful aspects of our work and finding ways to craft our jobs to align with our values and passions, we can increase our overall job satisfaction and happiness in life.
Individuals can shape their job roles beyond formal descriptions: Employees can expand their job responsibilities and find greater satisfaction by identifying tasks beyond their formal job descriptions and crafting their roles accordingly.
The perception of the same job can vary greatly among individuals based on how they perceive and craft the tasks involved. In a hospital setting, cleaning staff were found to have differing views on the skill level of their jobs. Those who saw it as low-skilled mostly adhered to their job descriptions, focusing on tasks like swabbing floors and dusting. In contrast, others viewed their work as highly skilled, engaging in tasks beyond their job descriptions, such as assisting nurses, doctors, and patients. These cleaners were found to be "job crafting," expanding the boundaries of their roles, often without supervision. Some even performed tasks that could be considered against the rules, like giving patients water or helping them move, but had developed systems to determine when it was safe to do so. A notable example was a cleaner who cared for comatose patients, providing them with comfort and personal attention. These findings suggest that individuals can significantly impact their job satisfaction and sense of meaning by shaping their roles beyond formal job descriptions.
Acting out of care and concern for patients: Going beyond job duties to improve patient experience can lead to a more comfortable and healing environment.
Going the extra mile and showing compassionate care, even if it's not explicitly part of one's job description, can have a significant positive impact, particularly in a healthcare setting. The staff members described in this discussion, such as those taking down and rearranging art prints or checking ceilings for potential issues, were not following the letter of the law but were instead acting out of care and concern for their patients. While these actions could be seen as insubordination, they can also be viewed as employees who are deeply invested in the hospital's mission and are motivated to create the best possible environment for their patients. Although the study did not directly measure the outcomes, it is reasonable to assume that these actions could contribute to a more comfortable and healing environment for patients.
Perception of Work as a Calling: Research shows that viewing work as a calling leads to increased engagement and commitment. Examples of staff at a hospital and a chemistry teacher illustrate the importance of finding meaning in work.
The perception of work and its impact can vary greatly among individuals, with some viewing it as just a job, others as a career, and some even considering it a calling. This was a topic of discussion between Shankar Vedantham and Amy Riznaski on Hidden Brain. The cleaning staff at a hospital, for instance, noticed the emotional state of patients who hadn't had visitors and made it a point to spend time with them, adding meaning to their work. This sense of purpose was also highlighted through the example of a chemistry teacher who inspired students with his enthusiasm for the subject. Research has shown that people who view their work as a calling are more engaged and committed to their jobs. Understanding the factors that influence this perception can benefit both the individuals and the organizations they are a part of. Amy's research in this area began with this question and explores the implications of these differing viewpoints. In the second half of their conversation, they discuss ways to feel more engaged at work.
The divide between a job as a means and a calling: Some people find joy in their work naturally, but many must consciously shape their roles and mindset to make their jobs more meaningful. Seek careers with purpose to create a fulfilling work life.
The difference between finding a job that is merely a means to an end and one that is a calling comes down to personal perception and deliberate effort. While some people may stumble upon work that brings them joy and fulfillment, others may choose to shape their roles and the way they view their work to make it more meaningful. During a recent lottery event at their company, the speaker noticed that some employees would quit their jobs if they won, while others wouldn't. This divide highlights the importance of considering work as an end in itself rather than just a means to an end. As people consider their future careers, they are increasingly seeking jobs that provide a sense of purpose and meaning, making the deliberate process of crafting a fulfilling career even more essential.
Crafting a Fulfilling Job: Identify tasks that align with interests and values, expand or restrict responsibilities, customize role through focus and relationships, and recognize organization's expectations to make a job more enjoyable and meaningful.
Finding a fulfilling job is not a magical unicorn to be found, but rather a crafted experience. To make a job more enjoyable and meaningful, consider identifying tasks that align with your interests and values, and look for opportunities to expand or restrict job responsibilities. Even when job modification isn't explicitly allowed, people can still customize their roles by focusing on how they accomplish tasks, who they interact with, and the order in which they complete them. Additionally, redefining relationships with colleagues and those who benefit from your work can lead to a greater sense of connection and purpose in your job. Remember, the key is to recognize the organization's expectations and find the degrees of freedom to make the job your own.
Shape your job beyond tasks through relationships, mindset, and titles: Job crafting through relationships, mindset, and titles can lead to greater job satisfaction and overall well-being.
People have the power to shape their jobs in meaningful ways beyond just the tasks they perform. This shaping can occur through the relationships we have with others at work, the way we think about our roles, and even the titles we give ourselves. Research shows that these different forms of job crafting can significantly impact how we approach and execute our work. For instance, a hospital cleaning staff member who thinks of themselves as a "healer" may approach their job differently than someone who simply sees it as a set of tasks. Understanding and harnessing the power of job crafting can lead to greater job satisfaction and overall well-being. This research, led by Amy Resneski at the Yale School of Management, sheds light on the importance of taking an active role in shaping our work experiences.
The stock market influences human behavior: During market downturns, people may avoid checking their portfolios due to fear or denial, leading to irrational decisions based on limited information. Staying informed and making informed decisions can help mitigate potential losses.
Human behavior can be influenced by various factors, including the stock market. During times of financial gain, people tend to be more engaged and attentive to their investments. However, when the market experiences a downturn, people often avoid checking their portfolios out of fear or denial. This phenomenon, known as "availability bias," can lead individuals to make irrational decisions based on limited information. It's important to remember that staying informed and making informed decisions, even during market downturns, can help mitigate potential losses. So, if you find our U2.0 series insightful, please share it with your network. In the upcoming episode, we'll delve deeper into the reasons behind this behavior and its consequences. Stay tuned!
