What is Your Purpose at Work?

I read a recent statistic that approximately 80% of employed adults are looking for more meaningful work. That tells me that people are beginning to really consider what they value in a career and finding a job with a purpose is driving many in their career development.

Jag Sheth wrote an amazing book called Firms of Endearment and a study in the book shows that purpose-inspired firms enjoy greater returns, some earning more than 1,026% in the S&P 500 than their competitors. The truth is that great brands stand for more than what they sell. They achieve commercial success by benefitting all stakeholders – employees, customers, partners, community and society at large, according to Pink Magazine.

So how does one find an organization with purpose?  Do your research, and sleuth out the mission and value statements of companies at which you would like to grow your career. What does the firm value, how do they give back to the community, and how do you as a prospective employee partake in the company values system?

An excellent example of a purpose-driven brand is Pepperidge Farms. Founder, Margaret Rudkin had a higher calling – to make bread that her allergic child could eat. “I went from making break to making dough, and our top selling Goldfish cracker is more than a great tasting, healthy snack.” according to Rudkin. She also created www.fishfulthinking.com a website dedicated to helping parents raise healthy and engaged kids. Pepperidge Farms and the Fishful Thinking website focus on Optimism, Emotional Awareness, Goal Setting, Hope, Resilience, and Empowerment themes. The site features Dr. Karen Reivich, a positive psychology expert and mother of 4 dedicated to the principles of positive parenting.

Reports indicate that Pepperidge Farm employees stick with the company, and retention numbers are off the charts as is buy-in to the company philosophy and values. So what are your ideal company values? Are you ready to learn your career purpose and follow your personal mission? Check out Christina Arena’s book The High Purpose Company to explore this concept more. Armed with a purpose, you deserve to work for an organization that shares your values.