written by art historian & curator Mihaela Manolche
Imagine a world where work is not just a means to an end but a source of genuine fulfilment. The daily grind is not a monotonous slog but a journey fuelled by purpose and connection. This is the evolving reality of the 21st-century workplace. We entered an era in which the pursuit of meaning transcended the traditional focus on pay checks and promotions. A profound shift is underway driven by a generation that yearns for work that resonates with their values, contributes to something larger than themselves, and offers a sense of genuine purpose.
This quest for meaning is not just a personal pursuit; it is a powerful force reshaping the very fabric of work. From the rise of purpose-driven companies to the anxieties surrounding automation and the resounding statement of the Great Resignation, the search for meaning in our professional lives has become a defining characteristic of work in the 21st century. Let us explore how this search for meaning is transforming the landscape of work and what it means for individuals and organisations, as well as the future of how we earn and live our lives.
The Rise of Purpose-Driven Work
For generations, work was often viewed as a means to an end — a way to earn a living and to support oneself and…
