It’s not (just) about the money this Christmas

New year, new career, new you right? But ho-ho-hold up before you quit your day job and start making those New Year’s resolutions to land your dream job.

A new study Meaningful Work Insights 2019 has found that people are more interested in looking for work that adds meaning to their life and a change in career is often not just about the money.

Nikki Beaumont, CEO of leading recruitment company Beaumont People says that it’s worth taking the time to think about what meaningful work means to you, before you make your move.

“The new year is a time when many Australians will sit down and reflect on the year that has passed and begin to set career goals for the future,” Beaumont said. “What our new research shows is that money may not be the primary factor when Australians consider their career choices.

The report revealed that 96 per cent of Australians have rated factors other than money as the ‘most important’ to achieving meaningfulness and happiness at work.

“What we have proven with this new report is that when it comes to the workforce, the old adage is true: its not money that buys happiness,” Beaumont said.

Higher rated factors included trust of their employees, the culture of the organisation, flexibility and the wider contribution the organisation makes to society.

“It’s really important to note that meaningful work is different for everyone.” Beaumont said.  “What is meaningful work to me might be different to you, and what we often find is that what constitutes meaningful work generally changes over the course of your life, and that’s ok.”

The study made clear that there was a gap in what individuals and organisations see as meaningful work.

“For instance, what an organisation provides, may not match what I’m looking for. And we see that a lot in the Charity sector for example,” Beaumont said.

“Someone may want to join a charity because they align with the purpose of the organisation but then when they get into the role, sometimes they find the culture, or the place isn’t for them.”

Beaumont continues that they are looking to build a tool in 2020 to see if they can bridge the gap between the individual and the organisation. More than 1,000 individuals and organisations across Australia, participated in the Meaningful Work Insights 2019 study that has aimed to shed some light on what Australians are looking for at work.

Pearl Dy

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Pearl Dy is a community manager and journalist. She is passionate about business and development particularly involving not-for-profits, charity and social entrepreneurship.

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