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“Let’s make a dent in the universe.”

Steve Jobs

There has been a dramatic shift in priorities in the workplace, wherever the workplace is. The dichotomy between personal values and professional life no longer exists. In every facet of life, people are focusing more and more on what matters most.

According to workplace studies conducted across the country, when employees are asked what motivates them and sustains their energy and enthusiasm, it is less likely to be about salary and benefits and more likely to be about quality of work life and meaningful work. This is consistent with years of research in the social sciences that have identified a handful of basic human requirements that must be present for people to be motivated and productive. The following criteria provide a foundation for designing an effective organization and a healthy workplace.

•The ability to make decisions

•Opportunities to learn on the job and to continue learning

•Variety and challenges in tasks and responsibilities

•Mutual support, appreciation, respect and fairness

•A path for ongoing personal and professional growth and development

•Meaningfulness and being able to make the connection between daily work and the broader social context

It takes effort to create this workplace, where people are proud and pleased to say they belong. However, the opportunity to be a part of this new, more inclusive, integrative and flexible community does not come easily. It happens through individual and joint effort and high levels of participation or sweat equity. It is dependent on a collective state of mind, strong relationships among members, a high level of trust, a clear commitment, leadership throughout the ranks and an understanding that “we are the organization.”

It means answering the following tough questions.

•How can you create an environment that enables each person to reach his or her potential?

•How is the creation of value in your organization maximized while respecting the needs of each person in it?

•How is success measured for both the individual and the organization?

•Is respect and dignity for everyone inside and outside your organization part of business as usual?

•Are your mission and values interdependent as well as independent and consistent with what you do?

•What are you truly contributing to the big picture?

Recently, a colleague generously shared with me an e-mail she received from her brother who was soon to return home from Iraq. In it he said, “I feel very fortunate to have had the honor to take part in an event that will shape the history of the world and have such a significant impact on generations to come. I hope when scholars and politicians look back on it, they do so to acknowledge our efforts to make the world a better place. It is an honor to serve our nation and to be able to serve with so many fine men and women.”

This is not a political statement, but rather an individual acknowledgement that each of us strives to be part of something that is valuable, is productive and offers us an opportunity to test our mettle. We seek opportunities where getting the job done includes hope and hopefulness, help and helpfulness, meaning and meaningfulness.

It is in this environment that we can achieve balance in body, mind and spirit. It is not just about saving the world but also about creating the means for everyone to be part of an organization or community with confidence and commitment, loyalty and pride. It’s what matters most.

What are the ways in which you can support and engage your employees in what matters most?