Know Your Work Values, Improve Job Satisfaction

Choosing a job is a challenging task. You’ll be spending at least 40 hours a week at work, doing it, thinking about it, talking about it. At the very least, you don’t want to be miserable at the end of every day.

The best-case scenario? To be pumped and excited to go to work—to find satisfaction in your career.

Finding a job that brings you joy is no easy feat because the nature of work is, well, work. It’s not going to be fun and games all the time. Being challenged and put on the spot are all everyday experiences of every working individual. That said, being satisfied with your job is easier than it seems. Studies have found that people are happier with their jobs and career choices when their work values align with their personal values.

So, what are work values? They are what’s important to you at any point of time in your career.

For example, a fresh grad might prioritise looking for a job that allows them to explore different work areas within their chosen industry. In contrast, a married person with children might prioritise finding a stable, high-paying job to provide for their family. Knowing what work values matter most to you can help you discover the joy of what you do or spur you on to look for a more meaningful job.

In general, these values are split into three different categories. You might find yourself prioritising one over the other now, but this could change over time, so consider the values in each category and what they mean to you.

1. Lifestyle Values: Personal values are associated with your long-term life goals and the kind of life you want to live. 

• It is being able to spend time with friends and family.
• Having overseas opportunities, travelling or moving across the world for work.
• To be well compensated, a well-paying job that allows you to accumulate wealth matters to you.
• Becoming a homeowner. Being able to afford the home of your dreams with the income from your job.

2. Intrinsic Values: important intangible factors about a job that keeps you motivated and engaged.

• Autonomy. Being allowed to work independently without someone hovering over your shoulder.
• Having variety and change at work. You prefer a job that doesn’t consist of doing the same thing day in and day out.
• Supporting a good cause. Doing work that helps others matters a lot to you.
• Feeling respected and being treated well by your colleagues.
• Public recognition. Getting praised or rewarded for the work you do.
• Self-improvement and learning. Being able to grow through what you do each day.
  
  

3. Extrinsic Values: tangible conditions of your work that are important to you.

• Travelling for work. Travelling out of the office and meeting different types of people is a must for you.
• High pay. A job that pays well is a priority for you.
• Flexible working hours. Choosing when and for how long you work each day.
• Having time for holidays. Being able to take leave and go on vacations.
• Team spirit. Healthy communication and shared responsibility between coworkers and managers are essential to you.

Which of these are your most important work values? Let us know, and our consultants at People Profilers will match you up with the perfect role!