"Purpose under pressure: the benefits and risks of meaningful work" by Fabio Angei

Topic

We examine how workers perceive the benefits and risks of “meaningful” jobs, focusing on the core dimensions of Self-Determination Theory (SDT): autonomy (control over tasks), competence (use of skills), and relatedness (supportive relationships). Drawing on a novel survey of 3,510 Italian employees, we first elicit subjective beliefs about how these dimensions affect job satisfaction and work-life balance. We then compare these beliefs with actual realizations, measured by self-reported job satisfaction, work-life balance indicators, and a set of labor market outcomes. Our findings show that workers, on average, view autonomy, competence, and relatedness as drivers of higher job satisfaction, yet they associate competence with increased risks for work-life balance. These perceptions vary significantly across education groups, contract types, and geographical areas, highlighting substantial heterogeneities. Moreover, the data reveal partial alignment between stated beliefs and actual outcomes: for example, working in a job with more autonomy predicts higher job satisfaction and lower job search, whereas competence raises actual hours worked and can raise after-hours pressures and more struggle in conciliating work and leisure. Relatedness improves well-being, though it can create spillovers between work and personal life.