Original Research Cultivating meaningful work for early-career professionals

Nelesh Dhanpat, Lerato Mabeso, Masego Madiba, Kabelo Malete, Lindiwe Mashanye

SA Journal of Industrial Psychology | Vol 51 | a2288 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v51i0.2288 | © 2025 Nelesh Dhanpat, Lerato Mabeso, Masego Madiba, Kabelo Malete, Lindiwe Mashanye | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 24 January 2025 | Published: 11 July 2025

About the author(s) Nelesh Dhanpat, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Lerato Mabeso, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Masego Madiba, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Kabelo Malete, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Lindiwe Mashanye, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: The concept of meaningful work has gained considerable attention in research, yet limited focus exists on early-career professionals’ workplace experiences.

Research purpose: This study explored how organisations can cultivate meaningful work for early-career professionals and how these professionals perceive and derive meaning from their work.

Motivation for the study: Understanding early-career professionals’ perceptions of meaningful work is essential for fostering engagement, satisfaction and retention within organisations.

Research approach/design and method: Eleven early-career professionals participated in semi-structured interviews using purposive-convenience sampling. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis, identifying five themes.

Main findings: Early-career professionals derive meaningful work through personal growth, impact, supportive relationships, values alignment and resilience, enabled by organisational support, feedback, mentorship and proactive strategies amidst workplace challenges. An interplay of factors shapes early-career professionals’ perceptions of meaningful work, highlighting the need for targeted support, mentoring and coaching.

Practical/managerial implications: Organisations should adopt leadership and management practices supporting early-career professionals’ development and meaningful work experiences. Structured interventions, such as mentoring and coaching, contribute to improved job satisfaction and organisational commitment.

Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to meaningful work literature by focusing specifically on early-career professionals, providing actionable insights for organisations to enhance employee engagement and retention within this crucial group.

Keywords

meaningful work; meaning; graduates; early-career professionals; careers

JEL Codes

M12: Personnel Management • Executives; Executive Compensation

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

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