According to Gallup and Stand Together’s Power of Purpose report, only 22 percent of US employees say their work directly supports their personal sense of purpose. An additional 44 percent say their work doesn’t directly connect to their purpose but enables them to pursue it elsewhere, such as through family or community.
The remaining 30 percent report no connection at all between their work and life purpose, and five percent say their job actively conflicts with their sense of meaning. These findings illustrate how few workers feel a clear alignment between what they do for a living and what gives their life direction.
Alignment drives engagement and well-being
Gallup’s analysis shows that the connection between life and work purpose has a measurable impact on how employees experience their jobs. Among those who say their work fully supports their personal purpose, 43 percent are engaged in their roles, compared with 14 percent of those who report no connection.
Purpose alignment also predicts overall well-being. Sixty-three percent of employees with full alignment say they are thriving in life, compared with 33 percent of those whose work has no connection to their purpose.
Employees who see their work as an expression of personal meaning are not only more motivated but also more resilient and satisfied. This data highlights purpose as a core component of both engagement and well-being.
Many find purpose outside of work
Gallup’s findings also reveal that for most Americans, purpose originates outside of their job. The majority of respondents identified family (74 percent) as their primary source of purpose, far outweighing work (35 percent), hobbies (33 percent), or faith and spirituality (32 percent).
This broader view of purpose underscores that meaning is multifaceted and personal. Work can be an important source of fulfillment—but for many, it functions as a vehicle that supports other areas of life rather than the main source of purpose itself.
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The role of leadership in building alignment
Although personal meaning is subjective, Gallup’s data suggest that organizations can help strengthen alignment by showing employees how their work contributes to a broader mission. Employees who see that connection are more engaged and more likely to thrive.
Leaders who communicate the value and impact of each role can help employees find deeper relevance in their day-to-day tasks. Reinforcing this link across all levels—whether in operations, research, or support roles—creates a stronger sense of shared purpose and reduces disengagement.
Purpose at work is the exception, not the norm
In laboratory environments, where many roles are highly specialized, the connection between purpose and engagement can be especially important. Aligning routine tasks with a larger scientific mission—whether improving patient outcomes, supporting innovation, or advancing sustainability—helps staff understand the broader impact of their work.
Gallup’s findings demonstrate that alignment between life and work purpose is measurable, actionable, and essential for engagement. While only 22 percent of employees currently experience that connection, organizations that intentionally foster it can build more motivated, focused, and resilient teams.
This article was created with the assistance of Generative AI and has undergone editorial review before publishing.
