The vast majority of workers (70%) would consider purpose to be very or extremely important in their career choices, with 66% saying that they would leave their job for more purposeful work, according to new research.
The report from Tomorrow University, which explores how lifelong learning and personal development can help professionals achieve greater satisfaction in their careers, found a growing demand for meaningful careers. Over half (52%) of professionals have shifted their career priorities in the past five years to focus on impact and purpose.
However, while 55 percent believe their current job aligns with their sense of purpose, only 35 percent say their role positively affects their mental health.
Dr Thomas Funke, Co-founder and CEO at Tomorrow University, commented, “Our research shows that people want more from their careers, but it’s important to remember, purpose is a journey. Almost 60 percent of people surveyed define ‘purpose’ as continuous learning and personal growth. It’s about commitment to personal growth and inner work.”
The research also reflects wider trends in the job market, with 65 percent of professionals feeling “stuck” in their current roles, according to Glassdoor.
The Role of Purpose in Career Satisfaction
The report identifies several factors influencing employees’ pursuit of purpose. Over 70 percent of respondents believe purpose is a key factor in career decisions, with 58 percent defining it as continuous learning and personal growth. More than half (57%) say working in a field that aligns with their values and passions is essential, while 41 percent see purpose as helping others or making a difference in people’s lives.
The research also looks at the impact of purpose on job performance. Work-life balance is ranked as the most important factor in improving performance (42%), followed by a sense of purpose (22%). Employees expect organisations to support their career development through professional growth opportunities (61%), financial assistance for further education (51%), increased autonomy (43%) and flexibility to work on socially impactful projects (41%).
Dr Funke added, “Nobody knows exactly what the future of work will look like but with 40 percent of job skills expected to change, one thing is clear: adaptability is essential to future-proof careers. Education is powerful in this transition. The way we learn should equip professionals with the technological literacy and human skills to grow continuously, build a fulfilling career and, most importantly, make a positive impact on the world.”
Addressing the Mental Health Gap
While nearly 90 percent of employees believe working with a sense of purpose improves their mental health, workplace support remains limited. Only 23 percent say their employer is mostly supportive of their mental health needs, while 22 percent report receiving no support at all.
The Purpose Playbook suggests strategies to help employees align their careers with their values. These include leveraging education to develop new skills, prioritising well-being for long-term career success and turning purpose into action through meaningful work.
With employees increasingly prioritising purpose in their careers, businesses that support professional development and meaningful work may gain an advantage in attracting and retaining talent.