Important changes are happening in today’s workforce as more and more people, particularly millennials, seek purpose in their working environments.

As such, if organisations are not responsive to this change, they stand to lose their place and relevance in today’s corporate world.

With most Baby boomers set to retire in the next 10 to 15 years, which equates to about 75 million people or 45 % of the workforce, millennials are poised to inherit the corporate workplace.

What’s more, many millennials believe that the current corporate structure is outdated.

With this in mind, there needs to be a proper transition to allow millennials to grow into future roles whilst learning from their seniors. If not, many organisations will be caught in a messy conundrum.

That said, what could be the solution to this workforce crisis?

Establish some purpose

Leaders and hiring managers should take up the challenge and bring about suitable changes in the workforce by starting at the core — purpose.

Studies show that employees look for three important experiences in the workplace, namely self- development, having a positive impact on others as well as establishing strong relationships.

It is common for people to undermine the importance of purpose in the workplace as a fad, but the fact remains that purpose is an actionable concept that also cultivates productivity.

Studies show that 73% of satisfied workers are purpose-oriented, which supports the idea that many employees place importance on work that is meaningful over their salary, company, and the world.

However, some professions naturally attract more purpose-oriented workers, with fields such as research, entrepreneurship, health care services, community and social services suiting purpose-oriented people.

Purpose fuels performance

Studies conducted by the Harvard Business School also show that purpose-oriented employees generate more profit for their company by performing well in their roles.

This is attributed to employees having a clear purpose in their lives, which directly benefits not only the individual but also the company.

What’s more, studies also point out that purpose-oriented individuals score higher on measures such as work fulfillment, promotions and loyalty to the company.

Even so, let’s take a look at how to improve the purpose orientation of the employees at the workplace.

Finding purpose-oriented employees

Recruiting people who are more purpose-oriented will also help in terms of inspiring others around them to also strive for greatness. In fact, purpose-oriented workers tend to bring many different talents to the table.

Another way to bridge the gap is to hire those who are not actively looking for work but are purpose-oriented, which might be difficult because they are less likely to switch roles and careers.

Instead of luring them with benefits and perks, hiring managers should make them understand the vision, mission, and motive of the company, in hopes that these will entice such prospects to move.

Build a purposeful brand

By branding your company as a more purposeful company, employees are more likely to identify with such a purpose.

Adhering to the claims made by the company will also make the employees resonate with the vision of the company.

Having a dialogue

Creating a workplace that caters for healthy dialogue with the employees is important, as it will help them better understand what is expected of them and can better evaluate the ideals of the company.

This, in turn, will also help managers identify talents and give them tasks and assignments that match their skills and talents.

Positive work environment

It goes without saying that a positive work environment brings out the best in everyone. Hence, encouraging and praising employees greatly improves team morale.

In the end, finding purpose is important not only at the workplace but also in one’s personal life because it ultimately leads to a more fulfilling, happy, and content life.

Erika Peres is a social media influencer, entrepreneur and director of multiple companies. She is a mother of two boys and has a passion for sports, fitness and lifestyle. She can be reached on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.