Career Fulfillment: A Research-Based Blueprint for Leaders & Employees

Throughout our exploration of career fulfillment, we've uncovered the 10 key attributes that define truly satisfying careers, examined their powerful impact on both personal and professional outcomes, and analyzed how these elements manifest across different demographic groups. Now it's time to tackle the most practical question: How do we put this knowledge into action?

Our Center for Workforce Transformation's research has revealed that building a fulfilling career isn't just about checking boxes or following a preset path. It's about understanding how to cultivate and maintain these attributes in ways that work for both individuals and organizations. Let's explore what this means for everyone involved in the career development journey.

Taking Action: Advice for Leaders and Employees

Whether you're an organizational leader supporting employees to find the right fit, or an employee trying to find your way to the most fulfilling career possible, our study has insights for you.

For Organizational Leaders

As an HR leader, you play a major role in shaping the experience for the employees you support. While some attributes of a fulfilling career may seem like they exist outside the confines of a specific workplace, it's increasingly important to provide opportunities for employees to reflect on the broader context of their careers. This includes discussions about how their roles within your organization align with their long-term professional goals.

Even if employees are experiencing success in areas like satisfaction, growth, and connection with colleagues, they may still seek a career that accelerates Career Identity, Career-Life Integration, Stability, and status. If they cannot find these elements within your organization, they may be tempted to seek opportunities elsewhere. Crafting policies, guides, and other resources that allow employees to explore the different facets of their career journey within your organization can help retain talent, foster productivity, and ensure long-term job satisfaction.

For Employees

When looking for your next career opportunity, whether inside your current organization or elsewhere, it's important not to chase the next shiny object. Often, this means trading away attributes you've already achieved in your current role for something you are missing. Instead, focus on identifying areas of your career where you can continue to build, rather than replace, what you've already accomplished.

Suppose you've found a career you're really proud of and that aligns with your sense of self and values, but your current role isn't challenging you or you aren't thrilled with your working relationships. First, determine if those needs can be met within your current organization or if it's time to move on. Similarly, if you've found an organization where you have learning opportunities, great connections with co-workers, and products and services you are proud of, you are well on your way to the life outcomes you desire.

Before making any major decisions, have a conversation with your manager or HR partner to explore opportunities for growth and development within your current organization. This approach can help you maintain what you have while enhancing areas like Career Identity, Purpose, and Career-Life Integration.

Why This Matters: The Cumulative Power of Career Attributes

The reason these recommendations matter so much becomes clear when we look at the cumulative impact of career attributes. While it's evident that each dimension is related to important outcomes for the individual and the organization, no single dimension is sufficient. Our study revealed an important insight: the cumulative effect of multiple career-fulfilling attributes has a much greater impact on outcomes than simply excelling in one or two.

Using cluster analysis, researchers found that while the effect of career fulfillment is generally linear, there are crucial tipping points. The 39% of employees with 3 or fewer attributes are struggling across the board on key outcomes, while the 29% who have amassed 8 or more attributes are prospering.

Prospering employees are 2.6x more likely to report satisfaction with their lives and 3x more likely to say they would choose the same career all over again. In their day-to-day lives, they are 2.8x more likely to say their physical health is better and 2.5x more likely to say their mental health has improved in the last year.

Prospering workers are also a boon to their employers. They are 1.6x more likely to say their productivity and quality of work have increased in the past year. Nearly 2 in 3 workers with fewer than three attributes are actively seeking a new role — 1.5x that of their prospering counterparts.

The Path Forward: Building Fulfilling Careers

For each individual, the definition of a fulfilling career is indeed quite personal. However, this research shows that these 10 major attributes, when combined, lead to the greatest success for a variety of life outcomes. There is a reason they call it "building a career." While different employees may choose to prioritize some over others, more attributes are better.

The integration of these attributes allows employees to not only thrive in their current roles but also look back on their life choices with few regrets. Organizations that prioritize them are more likely to cultivate environments where employees feel engaged and motivated. Understanding and fostering career fulfillment is essential for sustaining productivity, retaining talent, and enhancing overall organizational success.

Employees who acquire these attributes in their careers have lower daily stress, better health outcomes, and contribute more — both inside and outside of the workplace. Ultimately, a fulfilling career is one where employees feel valued, empowered, and aligned with their goals — both personal and professional.

Learn More About Career Fulfillment

Ready to dive deeper into how to build a fulfilling career? Download the full report, A Formula for Fulfilling Work: The 10 Attributes that Drive Personal and Organizational Impact. Inside you'll discover detailed insights and practical strategies for enhancing career fulfillment across your organization.

Want to explore how these findings and others could transform your workplace? Schedule a meeting with our team to discuss how we can help your organization.