In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, host Andrew Soren engages with Jess Annison, a UK-based positive psychology practitioner, leadership coach, and career consultant. Annison, who recently completed her master's thesis in applied positive psychology, shares her research on the intricate relationship between stress and meaningful work.
With a background in organizational change and major projects, including work on the London 2012 Olympic Games and as director of change for Europe's largest open-access university, Annison brings a wealth of practical experience to her academic pursuits. Her passion for helping people find meaning in their work, coupled with her firsthand experience of the stresses that can accompany deeply meaningful roles, led her to explore this complex topic.
The Complex Relationship Between Stress and Meaningful Work
Annison's research, published in Frontiers in Psychology, reveals a nuanced and bidirectional relationship between stress and meaningful work. Using a grounded theory approach, she identified six "complex handshakes" or ways in which stress and meaningfulness interact:
These relationships highlight the intricate nature of meaningful work, which Annison describes as having "intricate tensional knots." She emphasizes that "nothing in life is so simple that it's ever wholly great," underscoring the importance of acknowledging both the benefits and potential drawbacks of meaningful work.
Stress as a Component of Work Experience
Annison frames stress within the context of the job demands-resources theory, where stress arises when job demands exceed an individual's resources to cope. She explains that while some stress can be beneficial, chronic or acute stress can lead to various mental and physical health problems.
"Stress is when we experience challenging circumstances or demands that exceed our resources, that exceed our ability to cope.”
This definition helps listeners understand that stress is subjective and can vary based on individual perceptions and available resources.
Challenges and Considerations
The research highlights several challenges associated with meaningful work:
Potential for overwork and burnout due to deep care for the work
Difficulty maintaining work-life balance
Risk of exploitation when passion is used to justify poor working conditions
Stress potentially diminishing the perceived meaningfulness of work
Annison cautions against viewing meaningful work as a "silver bullet" for workplace well-being and emphasizes the need for awareness of these potential downsides.
Annison's Research Findings
Annison's qualitative study revealed that the relationship between stress and meaningful work is often simultaneous and complex. Participants reported experiencing both positive and negative effects concurrently. For example, meaningful work might exacerbate stress while also helping to alleviate it at the same time.
One participant aptly summarized this complexity: "A few things in life are easy and worth doing," which became the title of Annison's research paper. This phrase encapsulates the idea that worthwhile endeavors often come with challenges.
Practical Applications and Implications
To navigate the complex relationship between stress and meaningful work, Annison suggests:
For individuals:
Reflect on personal experiences of stress and meaning in work
Journal or discuss with a mentor to gain clarity
Make adjustments to reduce stressors or boost coping resources
Ensure meaningful work is part of a broader meaningful life
For organizations and leaders:
Be mindful of unintended consequences of promoting meaningful work
Provide space for discussions about stress and meaning
Balance high-pressure periods with time for recovery
Role model good practices in managing work-life boundaries
Conclusion
Jess Annison's research provides valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between stress and meaningful work.
By acknowledging both the benefits and challenges of deeply engaging work, individuals and organizations can better navigate the complexities of creating fulfilling career experiences while maintaining well-being.
Resources for Further Exploration
Jess Annison's website: www.jess-annison.com
Research paper: "Few Things in Life Are Easy and Worth Doing: A Grounded Theory Study of the Relationship Between Stress and Meaningful Work" (available through Frontiers in Psychology)
Upcoming book: "Career Crafting: How to Conquer Your Mid-Career Crisis and Create Your Most Meaningful Work Life" (release date: early 2025)