This special issue addresses the interconnected but distinct concepts of meaning, meaningfulness, and purpose in work. While these ideas have gained research attention within career development theories and organizational psychology, they often remain conceptually unclear and intertwined. The issue seeks to clarify how meaning relates to personal interpretations and values, meaningfulness to emotional fulfillment and engagement, and purpose to long-term career direction and self-transcendent goals.
The special issue invites researchers to explore how individuals find fulfillment at work by examining the integration of these three dimensions. It welcomes empirical and theoretical contributions from scholars worldwide that address contemporary questions about human flourishing in work contexts, including how work aligns with personal values, contributes to sustainable careers, and supports wellbeing across different occupations and life stages.