22 Keys to Creating a Meaningful Workplace
In the text 22 Keys of a Meaningful Workplace, the premise is that a workplace can be one in which members of the organization appreciate to the extent that their jobs are satisfying and enjoyable. The text list several categories of keys that, when present, will enhance a workplace and make it meaningful. These include the mission keys, the people keys, the development keys, the community keys, and the me keys. The author sites several benefits organizations may see in facilitating this meaningful workplace. These benefits include attracting great people, fostering a deep sense of loyalty, bringing out the best in people in terms of work productivity and the quality of products and services. Finally, in a meaningful workplace, relationships will be created with customers that will keep them coming back.
The mission keys include purpose, direction, relevance, and validation. Purpose and direction speak to the culture of the organization and cause individuals to see the value in what they do. Relevance also supports this culture and validation provides employees with the means to see that what they do makes a difference.
The People Keys include respect, equality, informality, flexibility, and ownership. These keys cause the employees to feel wanted within the organization and to believe that they are valued members of the organization. They are respected and feel that equality exists throughout the organization which applies the principles of informality and flexibility in the workplace to show a support for the individual employees. Ownership facilitates this environment by sharing responsibilities and rights with everyone so that they feel they are a significant part of the organization.
The development keys include challenge, invention, support, and personal development. These keys facilitate development of the employees by giving them challenging tasks they can enjoy and respecting their ability to use their skills in a meaningful way. Employees are supported and encouraged to develop professionally and activities are allowed to facilitate this development.
The community keys include dialogue, relationship building, service, acknowledgement, and oneness. These keys provide for a culture that stresses the individuals as a part of the community in which they work by allowing dialogue and encouraging employees to build relationships that will foster their community. Service is seen as a positive activity and employees are acknowledged for their accomplishments in groups as well as when acting as individuals.
The me keys include self-identity, fit, balance, and worth and indicate that the organization is willing to provide a culture in which the individuals is able to keep their identity and provide worth to the organization. Individuals are part of the institution in which they work and fit the organizational culture of support. Finally the individual's workload is balanced with other aspects of his or her life and employees are not expected to sacrifice their home lives to a significant extent to enhance their productiveness on the job.
An extensive section of notes on this text can be accessed by clicking on the "Coursework" button and selecting the appropriate course - Organization Development in Education. There you will find a detailed account of each of the meaning keys.