Practical tips and thought-provoking ideas for navigating the world of work with more humanity. Don’t miss a post–sign up for our newsletter!

Categories

Here’s where you find the complete archive of articles from the MeaningSphere Blog, all in one place. Read, share, and enjoy.

Developed by Dr. Marjolein Lips-Wiersma, the Map of Meaning is the foundational framework of MeaningSphere’s flagship offering. Comprising four pathways and three tensions, the Map is a research-backed tool for understanding how we experience meaning—and therefore, what makes work meaningful rather than meaningless. Here, you’ll find articles that will empower you to understand and apply this powerful framework in your own worklife. 

This is where we share the heart behind what we do. Here you’ll find the ideas, insights, and stories that shape our offerings—and why we believe meaning at work matters. Think of it as a starting point for understanding who we are, what drives us, and how we can make a difference in your worklife. 

Your worklife is the ongoing conversation between your work and your sense of self. Here you’ll find fresh perspectives, practical tips, and gentle questions to help you explore what matters most to you, so you can build the worklife that fits you best. From shifting workplace trends to new data on wellbeing, we’ll connect the bigger picture to your everyday experience. 

The power of small wins at work: Revisiting the progress principle

In their 2011 book, The Progress Principle, Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer demonstrated how steady, forward momentum in meaningful work is one of the most powerful workplace motivators. Yet 15 years on, many leaders are still stumped about how to engage their people. Here’s how individuals can leverage the “progress principle” for themselves.

Ready to quit? Ask yourself these key questions first.

When work is frustrating, draining, and simply meaningless, quitting can feel like the only option. Yet leaving a job isn’t always practical, and leaping into a new one can lead us into an equally unsatisfying situation. So before you throw in the towel, try these simple questions first. What you learn about yourself may surprise you.

It’s summertime, and your worklife is complicated

The summer season carries the promise of long, carefree days. Yet between family obligations, trip planning, and the pressure to "make the most" of the beautiful weather, this time can be more stressful than expected. Here are five reasons why—plus, a reflection to close out the dog days of summer.

Harmony: When work becomes a natural extension of who you are

I used to think harmony was about balancing the different facets of my worklife. Now, I see it's about being true to myself across both work and life. If you're seeking more harmony, balance, and peace in your workday, here are some perspectives to consider.

Is it possible to find inspiration in worklife?

Even if you love your job, it's not always easy to feel driven each day. Here's what the research says about sustaining motivation—and what works for me.

Want more meaning? Consider your work’s impact

Many of us assume that if we find a job that makes a positive difference in the world, a fulfilling worklife will naturally follow. In reality, it comes down to how we perceive our own impact.

The secret to an energizing worklife

You might think of work as a drain on your mental and physical resources. Here’s how it can become a source of renewable energy instead.

Engaging at work through finding a flow

We can’t always control our workload, environment, or the types of tasks we’re given. What we can do is set the scene, minimize obstacles, and clarify our path forward.

The argument for autonomy  

In the workplace, autonomy is synonymous with trust. When it is absent, it can be corrosive to an employee’s self-esteem and overall productivity.