This story is a guest contribution from Willory, a UKG certified partner providing staffing and consulting for the HR and payroll community.
On March 1, 2019, I lost my mom to breast cancer. She was the most spiritually driven person I have ever known. Exactly 55 weeks later, to the day, my dad passed away. He was the most dedicated person when it came to nurturing the most important relationships in life.
Around this time, the uncertainty and upheaval brought by the global pandemic was a reality. For me, this period became one of profound transformation, fueled by intense self-reflection. Some might call it a midlife crisis.
Instead of buying a cherry-red convertible or dying my hair black, though, I chose to write. Writing became more than just an outlet; it became a vehicle for discovering what was truly missing: purpose.
Rediscovering Purpose in a Changing World
I began researching individuals who made a significant impact on the world and exploring purpose-driven companies like BOMBAS, TOMS, Ben & Jerry’s, and Patagonia. These organizations have embedded purpose into their DNA, driving not just profit but meaningful change. As it turns out, purpose-driven companies outperform the S&P 500 by 10 times and people who live with purpose have a 43% reduced risk of depression and a 46% lower risk of mortality.
The Role of Purpose in HR and Organizational Success
Having spent my entire professional career supporting human resources professionals, I’ve witnessed firsthand an incredibly alarming decline in employee engagement. Gallup recently reported that in 2024, nearly two-thirds of American workers are not engaged, meaning they lack involvement and enthusiasm in their work. This disengagement is not just a personal issue but a significant challenge for organizations.
Engagement is a symptom of a deeper problem—one that often stems from an employee’s lack of connection to purpose and understanding of how their role connects to the success of their business.
Purpose is not a buzzword; it’s a critical component of a thriving organization. Companies that cultivate a strong sense of purpose attract and retain top talent, foster innovation, and build resilient cultures. Purpose-driven organizations inspire their employees to connect with their work on a deeper level, leading to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty.
How Organizations Can Make an Impact
How can organizations infuse purpose into their culture? It begins with leadership.
Leaders must clearly articulate the company’s purpose, mission, and values, ensuring they resonate with employees at all levels. Purpose should be more than just a statement on a wall; it must be woven into the fabric of the organization, influencing decisions, strategies, and daily operations. Your organizational culture must feel like and be aligned to your purpose.
A company’s purpose is its aspirational “why,” and it should define the immense, positive impact the organization intends to have on its community. A purpose statement should be four words or less and bring simplicity and clarity to the reason why the company exists.
Once the purpose statement of an organization is clear, it is paramount to align corporate goals with community-based needs that make a positive social impact. Companies like Patagonia are renowned for their environmental activism, while BOMBAS donates a pair of socks to someone in need for every pair sold. These actions create a sense of purpose that goes beyond profit, making employees feel part of something bigger than themselves.
Another crucial step is to empower employees to find personal meaning in their work. Encouraging employees to connect their individual goals with the company’s mission and values fosters a culture of purpose. Regularly recognizing and celebrating purpose-driven contributions can also reinforce this alignment, motivating others to follow suit.
My Personal Purpose: Making an Impact
As I reflected on my journey, I felt compelled to clarify what was most important to me. I distilled it down to three simple words: make an impact.
I decided to share my purpose with those close to me and dedicate myself to helping others. I shifted my focus away from making money and accumulating wealth, and instead committed to making a positive impact on one person’s life at a time.
To live a purpose-driven life, I believe these two things are critical:
- Embracing a “want to” mindset: Instead of thinking, "I have to do the dishes," or "I have to go to work," reframe it as "I want to meet with my boss," or "I want to help my friend move." This shift in perspective can transform how you approach your daily tasks.
- Not waiting for life to happen to you: You must take action on what your heart, gut, and mind are telling you to do. Regretfully, I waited until my biggest fans were no longer on this earth to begin writing, and my parents did not get to see me make an impact by publishing a book, creating a podcast, or giving keynote speeches.
Purpose is Paramount
Purpose is not just crucial for career growth; it’s proven to positively impact business success, personal happiness, and even longevity. In the world of HR, purpose is a powerful tool for driving engagement, innovation, and organizational success. It’s a beacon that guides both individuals and companies toward meaningful, impactful lives.
For me, that means igniting a spark in business professionals, HR leaders, and beyond to gain clarity on what’s most important in their lives and businesses and to pursue it with urgency.
Because, after all, purpose is paramount.
