Workers’ Proactive Pursuit of Meaning: The Role of Needs-Based Crafting

Martin Tušl (), Miika Kujanpää (), Merly Kosenkranius () and Jessica De Bloom ()
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Martin Tušl: University of Zurich, Public and Organizational Health, Center of Salutogenesis, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute
Miika Kujanpää: University of South-Eastern Norway, School of Business
Merly Kosenkranius: Häme University of Applied Sciences, HAMK Edu Research Unit
Jessica De Bloom: University of Groningen, Faculty of Business and Economics, HRM&OB, Nettelbosje

A chapter in Work Meaning and Motivation, 2026, pp 59-80 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Meaningful work, whether experienced individually or as a characteristic of the job, is often actively shaped by workers. This chapter explores how workers proactively shape meaningful experiences through needs-based crafting—the proactive adjustments of work and nonwork activities aimed at satisfying fundamental psychological needs. We revisit key theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence linking needs-based crafting to experiences of meaningful work and life. We include a section on intervention studies that illustrates how crafting efforts can be fostered through reflective practices and organizational initiatives. The chapter concludes with practical recommendations and discusses key challenges and opportunities for future research, including measurement issues, individual differences, technological advancements, and contextual constraints.

Keywords: Meaningful work; Needs-based crafting; Psychological needs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-23826-9_3

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